By Holly Henry, WTKR/WGNT Online Producer
Norfolk, Va. – The two reigning queens from last year’s Miss Amazing Pageant were special guests on WGNT Tuesday morning.
What is Miss Amazing?
Miss Amazing is a program that gives girls and young women with disabilities the opportunity to build self-confidence in a supportive environment.
The two reigning queens from last year’s pageant joined us this morning, to talk about what the pageant is about, and what it means to them.
Pageant officials say the program is in its infancy, and those involved are looking forward to expanding the awareness and turnout for future pageant events.
To enter the pageant, contestants need to donate just five cans of food to give back to the community.
Here is a statement from Pageant President, Jordan Somer:
“With millions of eyes on beauty pageants worldwide, it has come to our attention that we could be the ones to start an entire new journey of pageants. This new pageant circuit could forever change the lives of girls and women with disabilities and perhaps allow them to realize, on stage, and thereafter, that they too have abilities. Crowns, prizes, dresses, and the works are all put together to crown Miss Amazing contestants throughout the United States.”
Here is another mission statement from Miss Amazing coordinators:
“We believe that all people should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through the structure of the Miss Amazing pageant and other Miss Amazing programs, we hope to give girls and women with disabilities that opportunity. In an atmosphere built around encouragement and support, we believe the Miss Amazing pageant can bring the community together and encourage further inclusion for individuals with special needs.
The Miss Amazing pageant is different from any other pageant because the participants have the opportunity to give back to their communities by simply entering the pageant.
The only entrance fee is five cans of food. This feature of the organization not only allows the participants to become active members of the community, but also ensures that their participation in the program is in no way detrimental to their family’s economic situation.
Once these cans are collected, the six division winners kick off their reign by donating them to a local homeless shelter or food pantry. This is how Miss Amazing Inc. offers girls with disabilities the opportunity to use their newly acquired skills from the Miss Amazing pageant to become community leaders and change makers.
The hope is to inspire the Miss Amazing queens and princesses with this community service project to put their talents to work and give back in their own way!”
