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Light the Fire
Within
The words
"Light the Fire Within," emblazoned on the 2002 Olympic torch, had dual
meaning for Huong "Prissie" Nguyen ('94). This winter, she was not only
an Olympic torchbearer, but also an expectant mother. Nguyen was six-months
pregnant when she carried the Olympic torch for two city blocks in Alexandria
-- part of the torch's December relay through Virginia.
Nguyen's husband,
Brad Showalter ('93), nominated her to be one of 11,500 torchbearers
who helped carry the flame 13,500 miles through 46 states to the 2002
Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Nguyen was
chosen from 210,000 national nominees. Family and friends' inspirational
stories and nomination letters recounted her selfless contributions
and painted a picture of a true Olympic spirit.
"Prissie embodies
the spirit of the games," says Showalter. "A former Vietnamese refugee,
she and the rest of her family established themselves in the Tidewater
region. Prissie became a U.S. citizen, is a hardworking businesswoman,
and always makes the time to volunteer for organizations like the Peace
Corps, Special Olympics, Junior Achievement, the Leukemia Society, Ten
Thousand Villages and Habitat for Humanity."
Nguyen says,
"It's been a humbling experience. The fact that I was part of an international
event is a great honor."
Prissie and
Brad welcomed their daughter, Montana Nguyen Showalter, on April 4.
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