Paralyzed Actress in Pageant Finds Event Rewarding

A wheelchair-bound actress from North Hollywood who danced and modeled a swimsuit and evening gown in a local beauty pageant says she thought that it was a rewarding experience even though she lost.

“I’ve had a really good time here and I think that we’ve realized that there are more important things than winning,” Maria Serrao, 23, said.

The title of Miss Solano County went to 18-year-old Terri Zorn of Suisun City, who won over 21 other contestants Sunday night.

Serrao, paralyzed in a car accident when she was 5 years old, was the first wheelchair-bound woman to enter a local beauty contest leading to the Miss U.S.A. and Miss Universe pageants. She received enthusiastic applause throughout the evening.

“If somebody looks to me as an inspiration, that’s great,” she said. “People can do a lot of things they think they can’t. If I could be a role model for someone to help overcome their obstacles, then I’d feel good.”