From Aqua Zumba to cooking classes, Leslie Larkins finds joy in everything
MONROE — Leslie Ann Larkins is poised, confident and beautiful. Within minutes, I knew she was special.
I recently met the 47-year-old with Down syndrome and her legal guardian, Anne Newcomer, for lunch. Tom Hawley, our chief photographer, told me about Leslie. He met her last fall.
“She was so sweet on stage,” Tom said. “I was covering the Miss Monroe County Princess program when an unexpected lady walks out onto the stage. Leslie Ann Larkins was an honorary Junior Miss Princess. She proudly walked across the stage holding the hand of Alexis Newcomer, Forever Miss Monroe County 2016.”
Tom spoke of how proud Leslie was as she waved and blew kisses.
“But when she stood, she kissed the rosary she was wearing,” he said. “This was a priceless moment.”
From Tom’s comments, I knew I wanted to know more about Leslie.
After ordering, we sat in a private room at Panera Bread on Telegraph Road. Leslie and Anne ate soup and a sandwich while I sipped lemonade, asked questions and took notes.
As Leslie listened, I spoke with Anne about guardianship. Leslie’s mom, Carol Larkins, was a ward of Anne’s late father, Dr. Walter Meier, a general practitioner in Monroe. Carol died nearly four years ago at age 84.
“I’m one of 11 and she has always been my sister,” Anne said.
When Richard, Leslie’s father, passed away in March 2023, Anne petitioned for Leslie’s guardianship. It was granted four months later.
Leslie lives close to Anne in a Monroe group home with five other residents. She likes making friends, watching movies, dancing and listening to heavy metal music. Hard rock band Gun N’ Roses is her favorite.
We talked about working at St. Isidore farm off Albain Road, her favorite movie, “Pretty Woman” with Julia Roberts, and what food she likes to cook.
“I like making a breakfast burrito,” she said. “I make it with eggs, tater tots, cheese, mild salsa and sour cream.”
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Leslie also likes to do crafts. Last year, at Thanksgiving, she painted cross and angel ornaments for her family.
In the brief time we met, I learned a lot about Leslie. She was excited about starting a community-based program offered by Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan.
On Mondays, she’ll take a cooking class at the Life Enrichment Academy on La Plaisance Road. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she goes to the Monroe Family YMCA and to do Zumba in the water.
“I get to see people I know," Leslie said. “Zumba is fun and it feels so good."
Without a doubt, one of her most exciting moments was talking about being named an honorary princess.
As we talked about what it’s like being a princess, Leslie stopped eating for a moment to show me how she posed with her crown while on stage.
Placing an imaginary crown on her head, she told me, “It feels good to be a princess. It makes me extremely happy.”
In August 2023, dressed in white, Leslie was escorted by Alexis Newcomer at the 2023 Miss Monroe County Princess Program held at the Meyer Theater La-Z-Boy Center at Monroe County Community College.
More: 35 Princesses Crown at Miss Monroe County Princess Program 2023
The 27-year-old Monroe resident is Anne’s daughter and has a history in participating in Miss America Opportunity contests. She is currently serving as teen director.
I called Alexis to ask about Leslie's title. She said Dione Oerther, executive director of the Miss Monroe County Scholarship Program, helped make Leslie’s dream come true.
“Leslie loves all things glamour,” Alexis said. “She loves every opportunity to be part of that. I asked the board if she could be on stage, go to the tea party and be involved with the other princesses.”
A few days after our lunch date, I called Anne and discussed how I wanted to share Leslie’s story. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to develop it into a feature story or make it more personal. She offered sage advice — “capture her joy.”
It’s difficult to garner Leslie’s personality into words. Her smile is infectious. Her spirit is pure. Her zest for life is unparalleled.
Leslie may have been born with a genetic disorder but it does not define who she is. She starts each day with a goal “to make mommy and daddy proud.”
I’m glad Tom told me about Leslie and I’m even more grateful I could meet her in person.
At the end of our conversation, I thanked Leslie and Anne and left so they could enjoy the remainder of their lunch. I waved a quick “goodbye” and Leslie blew me a kiss.
“What a beautiful soul,” I thought as I left the restaurant. “And without a doubt, Leslie’s mommy and daddy are very proud.”
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Leslie Larkins shares her favorite things to do in Monroe
