Heart of a Champion
Leslie Burnett, born in Nashville, Tenn., was diagnosed at Vanderbilt CDC Clinic as having approximately 45 inward seizures per minute.
Her family moved to Chattanooga where she attended the special education program at Central High School. At that time, she began participating in Special Olympics. She has been in a softball league, Special Olympics track and field, bocce, horseback riding, swimming and bowling. This year she placed first in bocce.
In 2011 she received the honor to represent the United States in the World Special Olympics for bowling. They trained in California before traveling to Athens, Greece in June.
Leslie placed 1st in the Area4 Special Olympic Softball Throw in April, 2018.
She has worked part time for almost 26 years at the Ooltewah Middle School cafeteria. On her days off and full time in the summer, she attends Trousdale School in Cleveland, Tenn. Trousdale is a school serving high functioning adults with intellectual disabilities by providing academics, life skills and occupational development for learning independence.