Milligan, Laura

Highland Baptist Church, Muscle Shoals
Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association

Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:10
Hobbies: Dancing, teaching dance, sewing and cooking
Favorite Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”
Family Status: Mother, Kay; one brother; and one sister

As the reigning Miss University of North Alabama, 20-year-old Laura Milligan is making a difference in the lives of special-needs children by promoting her platform, A Chance to Dance. The organization allows Milligan to not only teach those with cerebral palsy, autism and Down syndrome to dance but also involve her community in the process.

Q: What led you to work with special-needs children?
A: My mother always worked with special-needs children. When I got old enough to help, I saw there was a need. I decided I would use the talents God gave me and give back to help the children. They have always had a special place in my heart.

Q: Why have you continued through the years?
A: I started with the children when I was 15, and it has been a continuous blessing. I have always enjoyed it. They are just fun to be around.

Q: What do you do with the children in dance class?
A: They come in for an hour. We stretch, which is good for them because they don’t get a lot of activity or movement. They learn routines. We do more exercise-related stuff to get their hearts going.

Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: There are so many blessings. It shows you the need to be thankful for everything God has given you. It’s just a blessing to my day, every day. God has given me so much and has allowed me to share my talent of dancing to impact lives.

Q: How do family members support you?
A: My whole family has been really supportive. They really enjoy it. My mom comes in to class sometimes and dances with us. 

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I hope to extend it. I want to bring in other programs — anything else that lets them get involved like everyone else and gives them the same opportunities.

Q: What difference will this ministry make for you in the future?
A: I think it will make an impact in the future with the extension of the program. I hope to one day get more people involved and teach others to reach out with everything they have to make a difference.