v 18. 1996

BREAKING

BOUNDARIES

~rur~ -<

Kristen has been a valued employee at
McDonald's for the last 5 1/2 years. She has
won Employee of the Month and Employee
of the Week recognition. Five days a week,
she makes chicken fajitas, salads and apple
pies in addition to her cleaning duties.

In 1991, Kristen and Chris Fattori met a
Homecoming Dance and have been dati
ever since. "She's a fascinating woman an
think of her as loving and caring. She definit
makes me laugh. ... I'm crazy in love."

Ypsilanti resident Kristen Sutton
is living her life to the fullest. She
works every day, volunteers, attends
church, and still has time for her
boyfriend, parents and two younger
sisters. She's won talent shows, gold
medals at the Special Olympics for
swimming, and even the Governor's
t a Education Honor Roll Award, which
ing was presented to only two secondary
id I students in the state of Michigan as
ely recognition for dedication and
success in the workplace.
Kristen was born with Down's
Syndrome 25 years ago. During
elementary school, she attended
classes with the rest of the
neighborhood children. In seventh
grade, Kristen started special
education classes that transferred
emphasis from academics to
independent living skills. Last May,
Kristen graduated a year early.
Nearly every teacher since
kindergarten showed up at the
graduation party to congratulate her.
Kristen leaves a lasting impression
on everyone she meets. She's
determined, responsible, and her
positive and vivacious personality
can make anybody smile.
"Kristen is just Kristen - I just
expect everything she does," says
Ruth Sutton, Kristen's mother.
The amazing thing about Kristen
is that she has no boundaries. She's
not showing the world to live with a
disability, she's showing the world
how to live.

Kristen has been playing the piano for
14 years and has won several talentq
competitions. On her left wrist, she
proudly displays her new Ronald
McDonald watch presented to her at
the Christmas party in recognition for
her dedication and hard work.

-
° ;,
V l

....: _
X ,:. :

Once a week, Kristen volunteers at
the Roundtree branch of the Ypsilanti
District Library. She loves to read and
enjoys the perks by checking outs
books every time she visits.

Before going to bed,
Kristen gets a sandwicl
kiss from Mom and Dad.
When asked why they are
so special to her, "They're
proud of me."