Down syndrome can't slow down Pensacola native

Celebrity makeup artist and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant are just a few of the ambitious endeavors on Cameron Northup’s to-do list.

The odds of those occurring are remote for most individuals, but Northup is all about defying the odds. Paula Poole confidently says, “She will” as Northup discusses her life ambitions in the Arc Gateway Program for Adult Learning and Support (PALS) office on the Pensacola State College campus.

Poole and the rest of the Arc Gateway PALS staff know better than to doubt the 30-year-old Northup. She is their star among stars, and Saturday morning, she will walk the Bay Center stage as a PSC cosmetology program graduate after easily passing her state bar exam.

Northup is the first from PALS to graduate from a PSC program. PALS is a two-year, post-secondary program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities funded through an appropriation from the state, and Northup is a prime example of why the program exists.

Down syndrome is merely an obstacle, not an insurmountable barrier for Northup. She says overcoming that obstacle for her, or anyone else with the congenital disorder that arises from a chromosome defect, comes down to following the right path.

PALS partnering with PSC two years ago to provide higher learning opportunities cleared the path for Northup to pursue a career in cosmetology. She is officially a state-certified esthetician, and she says Stay Spa and Skin by JC has already offered her employment opportunities.

“I hope everyone with disabilities has an opport

unity to come to the program, because it’s wonderful,” says Northup, a CVS employee who previously worked at two salons.

Last summer, a dolled up Sonja McCall-Strehlow completed her makeup class and was walking through the PSC Cosmetology Building when Northup spotted her.

Northup grabbed McCall-Strehlow by the hand, cupped her face and said, “You’re so beautiful.” A flattered McCall-Strehlow soon discovered Northup dreamt of being a makeup artist.

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