Girl With Down Syndrome to Light State Tree
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver will kick-off the holiday season with the 77th annual State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the West Steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, December 9, 2008.
This is the 26th year that a child with a developmental disability will participate in the ceremony.
During the ceremony, eight year-old Michaela, who has Down Syndrome, will present the governor with one of nearly 1,500 ornaments handcrafted by individuals with developmental disabilities statewide. Michaela receives services coordinated by the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center and funded by the state Department of Developmental Services. In front of more than 2,000 spectators and broadcast TV cameras,
Michaela will press the switch to light up the 6,500 low-wattage lights that decorate the tree.
Michaela Tritch, of the Los Angeles community of Eagle Rock, has been selected to participate
in the 2008 State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 9. Representing the more than 230,000
children and adults served by the Department of Developmental Services, Michaela will help the
governor light the tree, decorated with 1,500 ornaments created by Californians with developmental
disabilities.
Described by her sister, Amanda as “truly the fruits of the spirit,” Michaela will turn 9 years old
just days before Christmas. The youngster, who has Down Syndrome, has received services from
the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center since she was three months old. Michaela is a third
grader at Delevan Drive Elementary School. She adores gymnastics – especially the trampoline -
and is active in an equestrian program, where she has learned to
stand on the horse and can perform other fun stunts. Her parents,
Jeffrey and Rhonda Tritch, say the program has helped with her
balance, posture, strength and even her speech. In addition,
Michaela loves playing soccer with her sister, Brittany, and has
become an avid member of the American Youth Soccer
Organization’s Region 13 VIP team. She is equally enthusiastic
about reading Curious George and Sponge Bob books with her Dad, Jeffrey, and
singing along to music in the family car.
“She is the heart and soul of our family,” said her mother. “She seems to know
when you need a hug and so just comes up and gives you one.”
