Contact: Maridith Geuder
A Mississippi State University graduate student who entered her first beauty competition in January is the new Miss Deaf Mississippi.
Deborah D. Salisbury of Kendall, Fla., travels to San Antonio, Texas, in July to go for the title of Miss Deaf America. A 23-year-old master's degree student in health promotion, she recently took state honors in Jackson competition.
First diagnosed when she was 9 months old, Salisbury now has a 75 percent hearing loss.
"Unlike other competitors, I am able to hear some things and have always communicated orally," she said. To compete, however, she first had to learn sign language.
"I had never signed," she added, which was a big hurdle in the contest since "all the interviews were conducted in sign language."
A majorette in high school and a feature twirler with MSU's Famous Maroon Band, she presented a twirl dance routine that earned the top talent award. She also took first place in the evening gown competition.
Salisbury said she decided to enter the competition after seeing a pageant flyer posted in the university's Office of Student Support Services. A part of the Division of Student Affairs, the office assists more than 200 students with a variety of disabilities.
"I see the title as one way to help create awareness and understanding for the hearing impaired," she said. "I would like to see more meaningful interaction between the deaf and those who are able to hear."
As an undergraduate, she was both a President's and Dean's scholar while completing a bachelor's degree in fitness management. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Salisbury, she is a graduate of Miami Killian High School.
She currently is a volunteer at the Oktibbeha County Hospital Wellness Connection. She formerly was a volunteer strength trainer with Mississippi State's women's soccer team.
In 1990 and 1991, Salisbury won national baton twirling titles. She now is a certified professional coach with the United States Twirling Association.