Glee Star Lauren Potter Appointed to Obama Committee
Lauren Potter, better known to all us Gleeks as Sue’s hilarious and lovable right hand woman Becky Jackson on Glee, has received an even more high-profile role than Cheerio co-captain (but shhh, don’t tell Sue!).
According to CNN.com, Lauren has been appointed by President Obama as a member of The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
In a press release statement, President Obama said:
“I am grateful that these talented and dedicated individuals have agreed to take on these important roles and devote their talents to serving the American people. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”
The committee provides advice to the president and secretary of Health and Human services about intellectual disabilities, including workplace integration issues, home ownership and education.
As reported on CNN.com:
Potter, who plays Becky Jackson on “Glee,” said in a statement: “It is important to me that people with intellectual disabilities are represented and treated fairly and are given the same opportunities as every other American.”
“Our challenges are the same as many others, we want to be safe in school—free from bullying and teasing, we hope to be welcomed at parks, recreation centers and other community activities, we worry about jobs and where we will live but mostly we want to be treated how you want to be treated – with respect!”
Potter who has Down syndrome, has routinely spoken about her troubles growing up as a special needs child.
“Like so many other kids with special needs, I have been bullied,” Potter told People magazine earlier this year. “Kids in elementary school made me eat sand, and those same boys would walk behind me, teasing me. Finally I had enough, and I told them to ‘grow up.’ ”
She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Riverside, California, and she is currently a student at Irvine Valley College.
Potter has been involved in several advocacy projects, including serving on an anti-bullying campaign with Abilitypath.org, working with the Special Olympics, Down Syndrome Association and the American Association of People with Disabilities.
“I never thought I could be an actress, but I am. I never thought I would be a presidential appointee and I am!” Potter said in a statement. “The possibilities are endless for anyone and that is what I hope to help bring to this committee – a real life example that with a supportive community and an encouraging country we all can live the American dream!”
A huge congratulations to Lauren on behalf of everyone here at GleeFan.com!
Source: ‘Glee’ start tapped to join Obama’s committee
Wow- I could not help but smiling ear to ear while reading this! I absolutely love her character, Becky, on the show. She delivers each line with such assurance- she nails it every time. Lauren is so deserving of being a representative as I think she is a great role model not only for those with disabilities, but for everyone. She is someone who, like many, have suffered through bullying, etc and look how far she has come and where she is today. This is such a great honor for her and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table for this committee.
Lauren Potter is an amazing actor and sheer joy to work with. I ought to know, I’m Richard Redlin the executive producer / creator of the cool new series Lauren stars in LeaderofthePackwebseries.com Click the link above, check it out and tell us what you think, ok?
Apologies, I meant the link below …