Lauren Compere Remains Strong Advocate for People With Disabilities

Mississippi College graduate Lauren Compere of Madison is joined by her grandparents Doris and Art Compere following the December 18 commencement on the Clinton campus.

Lauren Compere gained fame as the Ms. Wheelchair America runner-up over the summer. But the inspiring Mississippi College graduate will always remain No. 1 in the hearts of her many admirers.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology on December 18 with a perfect 4.0 average, Lauren says she’s thankful for her four and one-half years spent at MC.

“The fun and precious memories are too numerous to count,” says the 22-year-old Madison resident. “God used professors and experiences to reveal my passion for advocating for people with disabilities.”

What’s next for Lauren Compere? Law school could be in her future. Or perhaps graduate school studies.

“While my post-graduation plans are uncertain, I am confident that God will continue writing my story for His glory,” Lauren says. “I thank my Mississippi College family for being a vital portion of that story. My heart will always be Blue and Gold and I will forever be a Choctaw!”

First diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a six-month-old, Lauren turned her disability into a triumph. The Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi and runner-up at the national pageant in Des Moines, Iowa on August 1, Compere spent much of her life in a wheelchair. Along her journey, she’s endured numerous health challenges.

In recent months, Lauren pushed her “Building Bridges” platform to church groups, schools and disability training sessions all over metro Jackson. As a new graduate of America’s second oldest Baptist college, she will keep speaking as an advocate for people with disabilities.

Family friends like Mary Blaine of Jackson are proud of her incredible accomplishments despite many obstacles in her path. And the Christian woman and role model always did it with a smile on her face.

Graduating with a perfect “A” average (Summa Cum Laude) is something that eludes many students. “Then I remind myself that Lauren writes with a pen in her teeth, types with one finger and pushes herself through health issues that would stop me for sure,” Blaine says.

Lauren stayed active during her undergraduate days as a student recruiter and in her Swannanoa social tribe. In early December, Compere joined MC classmates inducted into Who’s Who Among Students at American Colleges and Universities.

As Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi, Lauren “continues to share her vision of building bridges to people with disabilities,” Blaine added. “She is truly a remarkable person. I am honored to call her a friend. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

A Madison Central High graduate nicknamed “Sunshine” by her teachers, Lauren nervously rolled onto the Clinton campus more than four years ago not knowing what to expect. She wondered to what degree her new home would accept her. “Looking back now, I see only acceptance, but life-long family.”

Her graduation at the A.E. Wood Coliseum Friday attracted a large contingent of friends and family members, including her grandparents Art and Doris Compere. Decades ago, Art Compere was a student at Mississippi College. There were plenty of hugs for Lauren Compere that December afternoon on the Clinton campus.

“Graduation day was such a precious blessing,” Lauren posted on her Facebook page. “I’m grateful for friends and family who made it a reality!”