Oklahoma Teen With Down Syndrome Defying Odds

When Courtney was born with down syndrome, her mother was determined it would not stop her from doing all the things she wanted to do, and it hasn’t. 

Loved by her family and friends, Courtney brings joy to every room she enters. 

“I see her in the hallway. She always gives me hugs, she comes in with the best attitude,” said Choctaw student Riley.  

Courtney has down syndrome, but she has achieved things most kids would never try, like playing soccer. 

“She is a member of the girls varsity soccer team, and they are so supportive of her and she get out there and she does her thing,” said DeAnna Gaines.  

But don’t limit her to being an athlete, Courtney easily switches from cleats to formal gowns and hits the runway. 

“She was the first African American with down syndrome to walk the runway in the history of the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe franchise,” said Gaines.  

Her current title is Miss Amazing Jr. Miss in Oklahoma. And when Governor Stitt signed into law Courtney’s law last year, yep that was her as well. 

When she’s not rubbing elbows with the governor she’s hanging out with celebrities. 

“He’s probably talking about Snoop. Yeah, Snoop Dogg,” said Courtney Gaines.  

Not everyone gets to pose with the likes of Quincy Jones. 

“Her and Quincy Jones became fast friends at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Be Beautiful, Be Yourself fashion show,” said Gaines. 

And if that weren’t enough, the senior in high school is preparing for her first movie. 

“We will start shooting next month, it’s titled, I can do all things, and it will be shot in Washington DC,” said Gaines. 

Courtney is also in JR. ROTC, the drama program at Choctaw high school, and sings in her church choir. 

“Anything that she puts her mind to, she does,” said Gaines. 

Courtney also works with several local charities and nonprofits, you can follow all of her activities on her Facebook page, @Being Courtney.