Temple Terrace Model Strolls Down Runway With Florida Congressman

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Florida, escorted fashion show participant Thalia Arbelaez from Temple Terrace at the May 8 Global Down Syndrome Foundation “Be Beautiful Be Yourself” gala and fashion show in Washington, D.C. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed walking Thalia down the runway,” said Ross. “She is a confident, beautiful and poised young woman. Backstage, everyone wanted to talk with her. She was one of the most popular people there. I am thankful that she gave me the honor of escorting her at the gala and fashion show.”

Abelaez, 20, is preparing to graduate this year from Pepin Academy in Tampa. She has participated on the Pepin Academy Cheerleading Team and has won the Florida State Cheerleading Competition for the past three years.

Upon graduation, she will continue her dance studies. Her dream is to dance on the television show, "Dancing with the Stars" and to teach dance to children with special needs.

Arbelaez was a special guest at the 2011 International Congress for Down Syndrome in Colombia. This year, she will lead a workshop called "More Reasons to Dance: at the NDSC Convention in Denver.