Ali Stroker 'A Motivating Force For So Many:' Ridgewood Principal

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ali Stroker is an example of someone who motivates and inspires others.

Never was that truer than Sunday night when Stroker, a Ridgewood High School almnua, won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Award. She plays Annie Ado in the edge revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!."

Stroker, a Ridgewood High School aluma, is the first actor who uses a wheelchair to appear on Broadway and to win a Tony Award.

"Ridgewood High School could not be prouder of Ali and all that she has achieved," said Thomas Gorman, Ridgewood High School principal. "She is a motivating force for so many."

Stroker could not be reached for comment.

Related: Ridgewood's Ali Stroker Wins Tony Award For 'Oklahoma!'

Stroker has not forgotten where she came from. She has returned to the school since graduating to speak with and help inspire students.

"Her latest achievement demonstrates that childhood dreams can come true with determination and hard work," Gorman said.

Ridgewood schools Superintendent Daniel Fishbein agreed.

"This is very exciting for Ali, the Stroker family, and our New Players Theater Program at Ridgewood High School," Fishbein said. "Ali is a real force and an excellent example of a person focused on following their dream."

Stroker became paralyzed from the waist down when she was 2. Her spinal cord was damaged in a car accident. However, she has never let her disability define her.

"This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who has a disability, a limitation, a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena. You are," Stroker said in her acceptance speech. She also thanked her friends and "home team."

"My best friends who have held my hand and pulled me around New York City for years helping me," Stroker said.

She also thanked her family.

"Mom and Dad, thank you for taking me to use my gifts to help people. We did it," Stroker said, her voice cracking with emotion.

Stroker said at post-Tony Awards press conference that theater producers and owners need to find ways to make backstages more accessible for performers with disabilities.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com