Ever looked at the definition of hero in the dictionary? The essence of the word–a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. Those are the key elements that embody the essence of Andrea Kilpatrick.

Kilpatrick, 33, is an 8–year veteran of CCSD, employed as a Special Education Facilitator at Shadow Ridge High School. She is a former Mrs. Nevada American and achieved second runner–up for the 2006 Mrs. Nevada USA competition on March 18. One would think basking in the warmth of hundreds of spectators and the glamour would be the exhilarating reason for one to compete in pageants, but not for her.

“I compete in pageants to learn something new about myself,” said Kilpatrick. “I do a lot of talking out loud to myself in the car and self–evaluating–going over how I can grow to be a better person.”

Coming of age was challenging for Kilpatrick. She came to America not knowing the English language. She was ashamed of who she was and how she looked–thought she was a band geek, had severe acne, and wore glasses. There were even times when other kids would call her derogatory racial names and attack her at the bus stop. She attributes her survival skills during those times to her passion for working with kids who have special needs.

“I worked hard to become bilingual, overcome my poor self–image, and to understand wellness,” she said. “I will always be a work in progress but will continue to focus on being the best that I can be.”

Darryl Thomas

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