Meet Carrington Manous | Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen & Dyslexic Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrington Manous and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrington, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to leave a lasting legacy reminding people that their differences do not define them. Our differences are the very things that make us unique. Through the work I’ve done as a person born with what I refer to as the “gift” of dyslexia and as a Dyslexic Advocate, I want boys and girls to see my achievements as a source of inspiration and hope. I also want those same boys and girls to know I fought to ensure everyone is allowed to soar despite their differences. I want to be a shining example of what embracing your difference can do to motivate and drive you to achieve your goals, and anything is possible!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am Carrington Manous, Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen and a Dyslexic Advocate. I am 14 years old, and for 12 years of my life, I was an only child, but like so many families in America, I now have a bonus dad and bonus siblings I love very much. I am also a dyslexic thinker, which means I am a creative and strategic thinker, which has helped me tremendously throughout life. I have also been diagnosed as Twice Exceptional/2E when one is intellectually gifted and dyslexic. I am also a dancer who has been dancing since I was 22 months old. I have danced with and trained with some pretty fantastic dance companies such as Alvin Ailey, Dance Theater of Harlem Joffrey Ballet, McClendon School of Dance, A.R.E.A., and Reynolds Artistic Creation and Performing Arts Center, to name a few. I am also an Honor Student at Woodward Academy. I debated with the school board to implement a school-wide policy that homework should not be assigned over long holiday weekends. As a result, that policy is still in place. This past summer, I was 1 of 25 students selected from all over the world to attend a 2-week debate program at Harvard University. While there, I learned many life skills and won 2 out of 3 debates. Debate is one of my life’s passions because my career goal is to become an Attorney to continue advocating for disadvantaged individuals. One of my most recent accomplishments is being asked to serve on the International Dyslexia Association Teen Board, where I serve as the Corresponding Secretary. I have been fortunate to be invited to the Georgia State Capitol several times since 3rd grade. However, in January 2023, I was asked multiple times to speak and advocate for dyslexic students. I shared my journey and how important early intervention is for student success. I was fortunate to work with Senator Gloria Butler on House Bill 538, a bill established for free dyslexia testing for students in Kindergarten-3rd grade, which passed and was funded one year early with a budget of $5 million. I have also founded a non-profit 501(c )(3)organization, Carrington Cares, Inc., whose purpose is to provide scholarships to students and educators with scholarships for dyslexia testing and teacher resources. With the help of my Board of Directors, I just launched a Dyslexia and Literacy School Tour where I visit Georgia schools with a special guest, Big Bird. We pass out free books, sponsored by Books for Africa and the Buckhead Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, to promote the importance of reading. We also provided students with a Q.R. code link for free dyslexia screening by the International Dyslexia Association.
My goal as Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen is to continue the work I am currently doing for the dyslexia community, such as dispelling the myth that dyslexia is associated with intellect. I also want to ensure all Kindergarten- 12th-grade students can access free dyslexia testing. The test is about $3000 on average, which for some families is very expensive. All students should have the proper diagnosis and resources to thrive academically, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location. Lastly, I want to continue with my Dyslexia and Literacy School Tours across Georgia schools to spread dyslexia awareness and promote reading.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

As a teenager who loves the arts and is a “picky” foodie, we would visit the art district of Atlanta, catch a live show at Fox Theater, my favorite restaurant, Poor Calvin’s, and do lots of shopping at Lenox Mall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Where I am in life and my success is all because of God, my mom, dad, bonus dad, family, friends, The Miss America Organization, The Miss Georgia Board, the Carrington Cares Board of Directors, The Schenck School, and my village of supporters. I want to dedicate this recognition to each of them, for none of this would be possible without them. I would also like to thank all the notable dyslexics, such as Whoopi Goldberg, Albert Einstein, Sir Richard Branson, and many more, who paved the way for me and inspired me to achieve my life’s goals. These individuals helped me to believe “Dyslexia Doesn’t Define Me,” which is the title of my children’s book. I hope my book gives children of all ages hope, inspiration, and courage to reach their fullest potential.

Website: www.decodedysleixa.com

Instagram: Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen, IAmCarringtonELan

Facebook: Carrington Manous