St. Albert Teenager Is Honored
Introducing BETTY ANN DULL, a teenager who has brought St. Albert’s parish national honors, is our privilege.
Miss Dull, a shining nineteen-year-old star with true courage, has been selected by the Polio Foundation to represent the United States in the Wheel Chair Olympics.
Betty Ann is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Dull, who live on the 4500 Block of Lincoln in Dearborn Heights, and the young lady who is frequently seen approaching the Altar of God on crutches. You see, Betty Ann is a victim of Polio. When very young and trying to overcome this handicap, it was necessary that she devote many long hours swimming to strengthen her weakened muscles. As time passed she became very good and on numerous occasions was recognized as an excellent swimmer. Her efforts and determination have now been rewarded as Betty Ann will leave on July 21st for New York, then on to London, England for three days of pre-games practice and conditioning in her specialty, free-style and backstroke. She will then, on July 25th thru 29th, represent the U.S. at Stokes-Mandeville, England, competing against polio victims from 25 nations. After the games have been held, her tour will take her on a six day trip thru Ireland, returning home on August 6. She will be here just a short time when on August 8 thru 12 she will participate in the Pan-American games for polio victims in Winnepeg, Canada.
Betty Ann is the first in St. Albert’s Parish to win national honors, and we are very proud to be able to say that she is one of us. Her faith and love for God is the inspiration which has helped her to spend many strenuous and difficult hours in achieving this great honor.
Betty Ann – we in St. Albert the Great Parish wish you the very best in your coming competition. Good luck, and may God protect and Bless you!
Post Script – Class of ’75 Graduate Mary Frances (who is Betty Ann’s Sister) did a followup on this story. Mary Frances told me Betty Ann swam in 3 events in the Stokes Mandaville world games and placed 3rd in each event.
She then won four gold, two silver, and two bronze in the Pan Am games in Winnipeg. Mary Frances contacted her sister who replied with the picture on the right (with the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals she won) and said the following:
“Thank you taking me down memory lane. These were some of best events in my lifetime. I would not have been able to accomplish these goals without the loving support of my parents and family. I live in Oakland County now, but will always miss my former church and faith family at St. Albert the Great!”
Congrats to Betty Ann for an incredible effort!
