Kaye Wallace

Kaye started riding at a young age (Family album)

If I could choose one person to call “my hero” it would be very hard to decide. It could be anybody. I could choose my mom, my dad, or anyone else I wanted. I have decided to choose my cousin Kaye Wallace.

Kaye is 13 years old. She was born deaf. Therefore, she cannot hear. The only way in which she is able to hear is with a small device that is placed on her ear that allows her to hear electronic sounds. Kaye has never heard anyone’s real voice. At an early age, she had to learn sign language to communicate. She still uses sign language when she is unable to use the hearing device, such as when she is swimming or participating in other such activities.

I chose Kaye as my hero because she is very determined and has never allowed the fact that she is not able to hear get in her way. She has also achieved a lot of accomplishments in her life. Kaye has won the D.A.R.E. award for best essay. She regularly competes in rodeos. She has received 1st place in poles, barrels, and figure eight. Kaye has also won 2nd and 3rd place in many other events.

Kaye’s life has had other family problems, too. When she was two years old, her parents divorced. Now she has a step dad that loves and appreciates her. I feel that I would have had a rough time with my parents splitting up, and I admire Kaye for the manner in which she handled the situation.

Kaye regularly competes in rodeo competitions (Family Album)

Kaye has goals and dreams just like everyone else. Of course her goals are to win more competitions at Barks Arena and move on to larger rodeos. Barks Arena is a person’s backyard in Starks that Delta Downs sponsors. Kaye’s dreams are to be able to meet and ride with Martha Josey, a famous jockey. Kaye would like to be able to do this because she looks up to Martha as an idol. This would mean the world to Kaye because Martha was the one to inspire Kaye to ride horses in rodeos.

Kaye is a smart, beautiful young adult. I look up to Kaye just as she does to Martha Josey. Kaye has taught me to stick with something even if you have a disability or any kind of problem. She has shown me that I can succeed in anything. This is why I am proud to call Kaye Wallace “my hero”.