Heather Leigh Whitestone McCallum (born February 24, 1973) is an American conservative activist and beauty queen who was the first deaf Miss America title holder, having lost most of her hearing at 18 months.

On September 17, 1994, Heather Whitestone made history by becoming the first deaf Miss America. Her crowning was not just a victory for her but a monumental moment for the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Feb 15, 2021 · Heather Whitestone McCallum is known as “Miss Deaf America” (even though Miss Deaf America is a different pageant). She was the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America in the Miss America pageant.

Sep 19, 2002 · Sept. 20 -- When the winner of the 1995 Miss America was announced, Heather Whitestone McCallum turned to her fellow finalist to see if she cried, knowing that it is almost always the winner who bursts into tears.

Dec 31, 2024 · Heather Whitestone was the first woman with a disability to be crowned Miss America in the Pageant’s 75 year history. Heather lost her hearing at the age of eighteen months when she was rushed to the hospital with a dangerously high fever, the cause of which was later diagnosed as the Haemophilus influenza virus.

Heather Whitestone was the first deaf Miss America and the first Miss America with a disability. She competed for the Miss Alabama title three times before winning it, which finally sent her to the Miss America competition.

Jan 24, 2024 · Heather Leigh Whitestone McCallum was crowned Miss America in 1995 held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on 17th September 1994 as she made history be becoming the first ever deaf person to be crowned Miss America.

Heather Whitestone 1995 Miss America talent. Very moving performance, all the more so because of her hearing impairment. Clearly Miss Whitestone never let ...

Dec 13, 2021 · Heather Leigh Whitestone McCallum was the first deaf Miss America in 1995, having lost most of her hearing at the age of 18 months. Heather knows about overcoming adversity, she was the first Deaf woman to wear the crown. She quickly learned sign language and completed high school with a 3.6 GPA.

Apr 4, 2024 · Whitestone gained national attention when she became the first deaf contestant to win the Miss America pageant in 1995. Her victory was a groundbreaking moment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, highlighting her talent, intelligence, and determination.