Ashley Deramus Delivers First Speech To 550 Students

Purvis, MS (April 30, 2013) Ashley Deramus doesn't let a little thing like Down Syndrome stop her from doing what she has been destined to do, bring awareness to special needs kids.

One her way to a big concert date Ashley stopped to address over 550 students at Purvis High School in Purvis, MS. It was Ashley's first time to ever give a speech in public and she wanted to give honor to her mentor Claudene Christian.

Claudene was a mate on the ship “HMS Bounty” which capsized and sank in the middle of hurricane Sandy. Claudene and the Captain of the ship, Robin Walbridge both lost their lives in the terrible storm.

Ashley spoke about her experiences on the Bounty with Claudene. The crew of the Bounty often took special needs and underprivileged kids on short voyages to teach them some of life’s lessons. Ashley was able to take a couple of those cruises and that is where Claudene and Ashley made such a deep connection.

Ashley's story touched the hearts of many of those high school students so greatly that they gave her a standing ovation. She was also requested to sing the Jason Crabb song “Love Is Stronger”.

All of this happened as she was on her way to the Singing In The Sun concert series where Ashley led the Pledge Of Allegiance on Thursday evening the 18th of April, opening the show for Jason Crabb. Over 5,000 people were at the concert which was promoted by Abraham Productions. The Ashley Deramus Foundation had a booth at the event and raised over $1,000 for the foundation which is dedicated to individuals with Down Syndrome & special needs.

You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adreamgk@gmail.com .

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make. You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or adreamgk@gmail.com

HMS Bounty Article in Outside Magazine

Ashley Deramus on HMS Bounty

Media Statement
In light of the recent story in Outside Magazine about the HMS Bounty, Ashley and I would like to take this opportunity to honor the memory of crew members Claudine Christian and Captain Robin. These two brave individuals were both mentors and heroes in Ashley’s world.
In 2012, we received the rare honor of sailing transit on the HMS Bounty, which is where Ashley fell in love with sailing and was given the opportunity to be a part of the crew. This experience helped build her confidence and social skills. Under the supervision of Claudine, Ashley carried out her assigned duties. These included checking the engine room and painting.
Ashley’s time with Captain Robin helped develop a deep friendship and admiration for each other. By seeing how Ashley’s self confidence, independence and ability to accept responsibility grew, Captain Robin decided he wanted to give other young people the same opportunity. His dream was to arrange for the Bounty to host a group of young individuals with Down syndrome on some of the transits during the 2013 Great Lakes Tour.
I have never seen Ashley’s confidence in what she is capable to do and her potential rise as much as it did with her time spent on the HMS Bounty. I thank Captain Robin and Claudine for their love, support, and the impact they made in Ashley’s life. They will always be a treasure in both of our hearts and memory.
Connie Deramus
Executive Director
Ashley’s by Design “Up about downs”
You can contact Ashley through Gary Kannegiesser at 440-670-2897 or dreamgk@gmail.com. Read more about Ashley Deramus and her Foundation at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-DeRamus-Foundation or http://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org/ .

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About Ashley Deramus Foundation
The Ashley Deramus Foundation was founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality life-style of children and adults with Downs Syndrome. Through the work of Ashley and the foundation, our goal is to increase the awareness and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions we make.