Teen with Down syndrome’s sweet reaction to college acceptance letter

On Wednesday night, Mickey Deputy opened a letter from Franklin College.

She began to read it out loud as her mother, Jenny Deputy, shot video and father, Michael, and brother, Brad, watched.

"We want to congratulate you on your," Mickey read.

She paused.

Her infectious, ear-to-ear smile that many have come to know again became strewn across her face.

"On your what?" asked Jenny.

"Acceptance into our program," Mickey finished.

The INSPIRE program, offered by Franklin College, aims to give people with disabilities the best opportunity to gain employment after college.

"I am most excited to get to experience the college life because I never thought I would ever be able to," said Mickey. "And making college friends."

Mickey will enroll in the fall and focus her efforts on becoming a dance teacher for children with special needs.

Through social media, thousands of people have reached out to congratulate Mickey.

Immediately after opening the letter, she began to Facetime her choir friends to tell them the news. Jenny said she had to alert family.

"It's very encouraging to see that people are embracing her. They are excited for her and to see the lives she's impacting," said Jenny. "That's all she's ever said, that she wants to make a difference in the world.

IndyStar followed Mickey on her bid to become the first girl with Down syndrome to win the Miss America pageant.

And although she did not win, her efforts gained the attention of Gov. Mike Pence, who awarded her the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana's highest civilian honors.

Mickey will pass the time before college enrollment working as a hostess at Scotty's Brew Club in Franklin.