CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -(WDEF) Bliss Welch, 32, of Harrison Tennessee was crowned the new
Miss Wheelchair Tennessee.
"It is very exciting to take this title on and I'm looking forward to reaching out to the community and using social media to connect with individuals with disabilities," Welch said.
Welch is a University of Tennessee Chattanooga graduate student who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was a teenage. The disease eventually took over she and lost her ability to walk by the time she was in her late 20's.
Welch competed against three other women for the title. All four competitors were judged on their community service, answers to questions and a speech as to why they should hold the crown.
As Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee, Welch will also have the opportunity to travel and make public appearances.
She will also represent Tennessee at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Houston, Texas this summer.
