El Dorado HS cheerleader Isabella Dominguez inspiring others with disabilities
PLACENTIA, Calif. — For 19-year-old Isabella Dominguez life definitely brings many challenges. She was born with Down Syndrome and is on the autism spectrum, but that hasn’t stopped her from chasing her dreams. Due to her strong desire to succeed and have fun, Bella has been able to overcome many of her obstacles thanks to the love and support of her family, her teammates, and her amazing coach.
At the 2017 summer games, Bella won the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Special Olympics in Southern California and a silver medal in swimming in 2019. Because of her physical limitations, she works extremely hard to stay strong. She walks several miles every week with her family, lifts weights, and swims to stay fit. Her most recent accomplishment is making the varsity cheer team at El Dorado High School where she is currently in her senior year. Bella not only practices with her team, but also practices at home by watching YouTube videos. She follows and learns her cheer routines this way. Her biggest mentors are Coach Rilee Williams, who has been a compassionate and patient leader who has helped Bella reach her potential, and team captain Emily Parise, who always encourages her to push harder and never give up.
Being a part of a team has given Bella more confidence and helps her stay motivated. It has taught her about accountability and friendship. Her teammates are very supportive, and they show they truly care about Bella even though she is different and takes a little longer to learn and understand certain concepts. Her dreams of being a high school cheerleader have brought so much joy and happiness to her life and she absolutely loves the sisterhood her teammates have shown her. Bella says the motto she lives by is, “Because I Can.” These inspiring words are displayed on her cheer box and letterman’s jacket. It all began with the advice from her parents that, “She Can Do It.”
Academically, Bella has been on the honor roll all four years and is fully included in all her required classes. In her general education classes, all her schoolwork is modified with support, however, kids with special needs do not always get the service and the inclusion they should. In California, they are allowed accommodations, but if there are any modifications to their curriculum, kids with disabilities do not qualify to receive a diploma, but rather receive a certificate at graduation. Bella’s mom is Dr. April Lopez, who currently sits on the California Advisory Commission for Special Education and is working hard on changing the standards for kids with disabilities, so they can receive the recognition and achievements that they truly deserve.
Bella dreams of going to college and wants to continue cheer and dance. She would also love to cheer on a professional football team, when one becomes inclusive to a special needs cheerleader, like EDHS did for the first time with her. Some other fun facts are that Bella loves music by Taylor Swift and loves to eat. She loves spending time with her grandfather, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and snuggling with her two dogs. It’s obvious that Bella has a positive and inspiring outlook on life and there is no doubt that she will continue pursuing her dreams.
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