Jenny Weast was your average 16-year-old girl, until a tragic skiing accident left her paraplegic with only limited use of her arms and upper body.

Far from letting the experience get her down, however, Weast went on to have a successful career as a math teacher and cheer advisor at Oakmont High School, where her greatest joy has been watching former students and cheerleaders go on to lead happy, fulfilled lives. “I’ve gone to so many baby showers, bridal showers and weddings over the years,” Weast reminisces. “It’s been amazing.” A few years ago, she even found herself getting back on the slopes again, and the experience reminded her of the importance of overcoming life’s setbacks.

In addition to supporting Disabled Sports USA Far West (dsusafw.org), an organization helping disabled people participate in sports and recreational activities, Weast recently started “Weaster’s Walk” (Weast’s nickname given to her by students), which is an annual 5K fun run that raises funds for the Oakmont cheer team to attend Nationals. Indeed, Weast’s experiences have taught her that disabled people can do anything they set their mind to. “It doesn’t matter the obstacle,” Weast says. “You can find a way around it (and) live life to the fullest.” 

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