Mesquite, TX – October 5, 2021 – Monday, Oct. 4 was Deja Young-Craddock Day in the City of Mesquite. Young-Craddock was presented with a proclamation at the Oct. 4 council meeting, honoring the Paralympian and graduate from John Horn High School for winning a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in the 100-meter.

Read the proclamation below:

WHEREAS, Mesquite’s Deja Young-Craddock is a member of U.S. Paralympic Team; and

WHEREAS, Deja is a two-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic medalist, winning gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter at the Paralympic Games Rio 2016, and bronze in the 100-meter at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020; and

WHEREAS, Deja has won six medals at the World Para Athletics Championships, including gold in the 100-meter and silver in the 200-meter in 2015, gold in the 100-meter and 200-meter in 2017, and gold in the 200-meter and silver in the 100-meter in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Deja was born with a condition that caused nerve damage and limited mobility to her right shoulder; and

WHEREAS, Deja is a 2014 graduate from John Horn High School; and

WHEREAS, Deja was a stand out on her high school track team, lettering all four years while also competing in volleyball and softball; and 

WHEREAS, Deja has shown the passion and power that drives all athletes, and has encouraged everyone to celebrate ability beyond disability.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce Archer, Mayor of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim October 4, 2021, as:

Deja Young-Craddock Day

in the City of Mesquite and urge Mesquite citizens to join me in recognizing Deja as an inspirational leader and for her remarkable accomplishments and for representing the Mesquite community with exceptional grace.

PROCLAIMED this 4th day of October 2021.