Impact
Report

When you talk with Paige, her excitement and passion for life is evident. She takes advantage of opportunities and finds time to give back to her community.

A proud graduate of Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, Paige was an active and spirited student. She participated in ROTC, was a proud member of Creek Chaos—the school’s football spirit club—and swam on the high school swim team. Her school spirit, leadership, and charisma shines through. It’s no surprise she was chosen as the prom queen.  She also held a part-time job at Chick-fil-A during high school, balancing work and extracurriculars with ease.

After she graduated from high school, Paige attended Western Carolina University, where she was part of the University Participant (UP) Program. She lived on campus and immersed herself in campus life. She attended monthly IEP meetings, stayed involved in the Sign Language Club and Swim Club, and even joined the United Sound Band, where she learned to play the trumpet and performed in an annual recital. College life suited her so well that she never wanted to come home!

As part of the UP Program, Paige completed a different internship each semester, gaining real-world experience in various settings like a daycare, Publix, a veterinary office, and a public library. Each internship helped her build confidence, skills, and a strong sense of independence.

After college, Paige continued her internship at Publix and then went onto work at Bruegger’s Bagel for 5 years. During that time, Paige also volunteered in a middle school special education class and was asked to apply for a part-time position as a special education teacher’s assistant. The contract for that job ended and Paige went back to work at Publix where she continues to be employed.

With a goal of living independently, her family built a garage apartment at their home, where she now handles her own grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

In addition to her job, Paige stays active in the community. She served as Secretary on the Advocacy Council through The Arc of North Carolina. She represented Buncombe County in the Special Olympics U.S. Soccer Games, winning a silver medal and even receiving a personal congratulatory video from her favorite player, Alex Morgan.

Paige’s achievements don’t stop there. She was honored with the 2025 Dan Piper Award at the NYC Buddy Walk®—a national recognition given to one individual each year who makes a significant impact in their community. Her trip to New York City was unforgettable. She fell in love with Times Square, saw The Lion King on Broadway, and met Amanda Booth and actor David DeSantis. “I didn’t just like New York,” Paige says. “I loved it!”

During Hurricane Helene, when Western North Carolina was hit hard, Paige was working at Publix. In the aftermath, she received a $100 gift card from the store for going above and beyond and doing a great job.

Today, Paige continues to thrive in Asheville. She’s self-sufficient, surrounded by friends, and lives a life full of purpose. She’s also in a happy relationship and enjoys spending time with her boyfriend. Asheville has truly embraced her, and she gives back to her community with enthusiasm.

When asked what she wants people to know about her, Paige simply says:

“I have a lot of Special Olympics medals. Asheville is good to me. I have a lot of friends. I’m very independent and self-sufficient.”

And she truly is.