MILAN, Ill. — April Bowlyou couldn't be prouder of her daughter Megan.
“To see her take this on has been amazing and I love being there and being her support and watching her grow and watching her change the world for the better," said April.
Megan Bowlyou is a senior at Sherrard High School. Outside of the school walls, she tries to be a ray of sun to those with hidden disabilities.
“She created a platform called ‘Overcome T.H.A.T’, The Hidden disAbilities Traits. She’s partnered with Hidden Disabilities, a global organization that works to promote inclusivity and acceptance with individuals with hidden disabilities," April said.
Megan's work to advocate for those who may need more time or resources at events or public places earned her the Pay It Forward award, sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union.
Megan partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. The sunflower symbol is used to let others know that a person has an illness or condition that may not be so obvious others and that they may need extra help or more time.
“I have helped bring it into airports all across Illinois. I’m trying to bring into government buildings and different places like Visit Quad Cities … right now is starting to bring it on. Bringing on this logo so that people can identify they have a hidden disability in the state of Illinois," Megan said.
Right now, Megan is working with Rock Island and Mercer County Fairs to provide "sunflower hours" to the fairs this year.
“It’s a quiet time for people who have a hidden disability or families who have children with hidden disabilities. They can come and learn about the fair or different agriculture that we have in our community and also just have a fun time and be able to experience the fair in a safe and quiet environment," Megan said.
Mercer County Fair will hold their sunflower hours on Tuesday, July 9th from 5 to 8 p.m. The money from the Pay It Forward award will be used to help purchase supplies and goods for event. The Rock Island County Fair is still to be determined.
Megan has a hidden disability herself, and she said that's why it's so important to her to help make the invisible visible.
“I have dyslexia, and I entered the Miss America opportunity, and I knew I wanted to affect people who are like me and make a difference in people like me," Megan said.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for his or her community? News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union would like to help you Pay it Forward to them. Click here to nominate someone you know.
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