BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A Bucyrus woman who lives with cerebral palsy is the new winner of the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2024 competition.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Kozinski, 22, was selected on Sunday to represent the state after a weekend full of events at the Grand Hotel in downtown Mt. Vernon.  She now advances to the national competition for the organization  – an advocate for persons with disabilities.

It was her “crowning” moment.

“I was nervous, and I didn’t think that I would win honestly.  I actually cried tears of joy,” Kozinski said.  “Despite being in a wheelchair, I don’t let it stop me from doing anything in life or following my dreams.”

Kozinski, a 2020 Bucyrus High School graduate, was one of two contestants vying for the crown.  She had to present her platform speech – “Knowledge Is Power” – and be interviewed by a panel of three judges, answering several questions onstage.

Her passion for children, she said, was the catalyst for her desire to mentor elementary students and teach them about disability etiquette.  Her platform is also focused on promoting awareness, empathy, and inclusivity for anyone with disabilities.

“Kozinski will share her platform with communities across Ohio and serve as a leader, role model, and spokesperson for the disability community in the state, contributing to a more inclusive society,” said Laura Sykes, State Coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair program.

Kozinski, who was born with cerebral palsy, said she nearly died as an infant.  She had a high fever and suffered a seizure when she was only 19 days old.  She has been in a wheelchair her entire life, she said.

Although she attended preschool at Fairway School, she went on to Bucyrus for elementary school.  In high school, she was an honor roll student and a regular at Friday night football games and other sporting events – a diehard Redmen fan from the get-go.

Kozinski is a cheerleader for local Special Olympics basketball games and, as a teenager, earned another title – “Miss Unstoppable” – in a local pageant put on by the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

For two years she was as a familiar door greeter at Walmart in town.  She especially loves “anything Zac Efron” and spending time with family and friends.  “I love to read, play on my devices, and watch T.V.  I love to hang out with friends and family.  And I love God.”

Kozinski is proud of her large, blended family which includes four brothers and four sisters.  Her parents are Craig and Holly Kozinski and Kathrine and Bryan Miller, all of Bucyrus.

In August she will travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to compete for another crown – Ms. Wheelchair America 2025.  Organizations wishing to schedule an appearance or presentation with Kozinski may contact her at MWOH2024GabrielleKozinski@gmail.com