Condition / Challenge:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Expressive Language Disorder and Dysphagia.

Celebrated For:

Beatrice Degree was born in Houston, TX on April 1, 1997.  She was diagnosed with Esophageal stenosis, Esophageal dysmotility and Gastroesophageal reflux disease.  After she was diagnosed, she had a lot of surgeries, she had to eat food using a G-tube from birth to age seven.  When she started to attend Dorgan Elementary School, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Expressive Language Disorder and Dysphagia.
Her struggles in elementary school were due to her Autism and ADHD. She overcame her struggles by listening to teachers, taking medication and going to speech therapy.  She graduated and received awards for Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll and Certificate of Participation.  After she graduated from Elementary School, she went to McReynolds Middle School.  She overcame her challenges there by stopping bad behavior and apologizing to teachers.  She participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps where she learned how to march in place, hold the American and Texas flags and wear the military uniforms.  She received Perfect Attendance and Honor Roll.
Beatrice got accepted to Barbara Jordan High School for Careers when she graduated from McReynolds Middle School.  She had challenges of being bullied by other students and running from teachers but she overcame by ignoring the students and talking to her teachers.  She participated in many events through Barbara Jordan Endeavors and the City of Houston Pathfinders.  She spent time with different jobs and their employees in the City of Houston and wrote essays on what she learned.  She had a position with the Human Resources Department.
She is currently enrolled in HCC VAST Academy where the mottos is “All that I can, I will.”  Outside of school, she holds a position as an Ambassador with the Barbara Jordan Endeavors where she holds awards for Community Outreach and Striving for Excellence.
There are many great challenges faced by her age group in her community.  She is involved to where she can help make those challenges better by proposing education and opportunities in job placement, law enforcement awareness and preventative healthcare.
As an Ambassador, Beatrice wants to use her platform to inspire her community by holding meetings, giving presentations, planning activities and exposing her community to the organization that provides the necessary programs and training that’s challenging her community.  The “Bea Pro-Active Community Outreach Program” operates as a non-profit organization that motivates and inspires through education, participation and awareness.

“She is currently enrolled in HCC VAST Academy where the mottos is “All that I can, I will.” Outside of school, she holds a position as an Ambassador with the Barbara Jordan Endeavors where she holds awards for Community Outreach and Striving for Excellence.”