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WHEREAS, Ava Allenberg, who is nonverbal and has cerebral palsy, performed her first dance recital on June 27, 2021 at the age of 12 while dancing to her favorite Disney princess songs, especially those featuring Elsa from "Frozen;" and,
WHEREAS, Ava began dancing at Cynthia's School of Dance & Music in September 2019, after a teacher, Samantha Skobel known as "Miss Sam", watched her reactions as she gazed at Paisley, her younger sister, dancing in class. With the support of Ava's mother Lauren Price, Ava's father Joshua Allenberg, and Step Dad Dave Price, Miss Sam consulted with physical and occupational therapists in creating routines suitable for Ava: and,
WHEREAS, since then, Ava earned the nickname "Amazing Ava" because of the progress she has made. She loves to dress up in her dance costumes, and when she performs, Miss Sam turns Ava's wheelchair, allowing her to pirouette and glide across the dance floor, while her arms move through the air, often with assistance; and,
WHEREAS, the Director and Owner of the dance studio, Cindy Zurchin, wrote a book based on Ava titled Ballerina on Wheels - Amazing Ava's First Dance Recital which was illustrated by Lana Lee and released on April 18 of this year; and,
WHEREAS, the book is about a young lady Ava, who shows the world what is possible and makes a mark in society for her hard work, drive and determination to live life to her fullest despite any physical limitations or obstacles thrown her way. Ava's mother believes this book will inspire children and adults, with and without disabilities, to believe in themselves and not let obstacles stop or define them; and,
WHEREAS, Ava resides in the Banksville neighborhood of Pittsburgh and currently attends Pittsburgh Pioneer Education Center, located in Brookline. When she is not dancing, Ava enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins, and telling jokes using her communication device; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that th...
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