1. HEATHER WHITESTONE
By Hannah Edmonson

2. Introduction
Heather Whitestone was born February 24, 1973 in Dothan, AL.
She was the third daughter born to Bill and Daphne Whitestone.
At one year of age, Heather suffered brain damage following a viral infection.
Heather went on to become the first deaf Miss America.

3. Education
Heather went to public school in Dothan until the fourth grade. She struggled with her lessons although she had been taught sign language at an early age.
After 4th grade, she began studying at the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) in St. Louis, MO.
She did very well at CID and had above average intelligence.

4. Education (Part 2)
After graduating from CID following the 9th grade, her parents divorced and she moved to Birmingham.
She briefly attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts to pursue her love of ballet.
Heather graduated from Berry High School near Hoover, AL.
Heather earned her bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University.

5. Pageants
1991 – Won Talent Competition and Spirit Award in Shelby County Junior Miss Pageant.
1992 – Becomes Miss JSU.
First Runner up, Miss Alabama.
1993 – Named Miss Point Mallard.
First Runner up, Miss Alabama.
1993 – Crowned Miss Cullman Area.
1994 – Becomes Miss Alabama.
September 17, 1994 – Crowned MISS AMERICA.

6. In 1996, Heather married John McCallum
In 1996, Heather married John McCallum. Now living in Atlanta, they have two sons, James and Jon. She has also written three books.