People all across the world often grow up feeling special until “society” tells them otherwise. Stereotypes can form on people from all walks of life, simply because others may view them as different.
The Miss Amazing Pageant was created to help celebrate and recognize the unique talents, creativity, and passions of girls and women living with disabilities.
The Georgia Miss Amazing Pageant was held Feb. 15-16 at Georgia College & State University’s Magnolia Ballroom in Milledgeville. It gave girls who perhaps were told they are “different” their entire lives, the chance to show just how unique and amazing they really are.
Each of the contestants appeared excited to participate in the pageant. Each also displayed a talent and expressed their passions.
This year’s event marked Rainbow Guillot’s 11th year competing and she decided to sing “Better Together” by Luke Combs. She plans on continuing to enter for years to come.
“I just love doing this,” Guillot said, “I go to Chicago for the national pageant, and I represent all of North Carolina.”
The pageant aims to celebrate girls of all abilities, through challenging the stereotypes and showing their true confidence, strength, and courage. Through this experience, girls of all ages receive lessons in leadership, determination, poise, public speaking, and conversational skills.
Sixteen-year-old Shyanna Morgan from Birmingham, Ala. was in her 10th year at the pageant. When asked why she returns each year, Morgan said, “I like meeting all these girls and making new friends.”
Many volunteers were on hand to help escort the girls, get them ready for the pageant, take photograph, and perform other tasks.
“It’s been a good experience to help others feel special and passionate about their interests,” Georgia College senior volunteer Harrison Brown said. “I wanted to get involved because my mom was a special-ed teacher, and my girlfriend Avery, who is the president of Miss Amazing, is a special-ed teacher, too.”
This pageant inspires many people, from those with similar disabilities wanting to gain confidence, to those without disabilities meeting people from different walks of life and broadening their horizons.
“Because of the pageant, I decided I wanted to go into teaching and more particularly special education. I’m now in my second year of teaching,” former Miss Amazing state director and current executive team member Caroline Pederson said.
Many volunteers did not know much about the Miss Amazing organization before the event but wanted to help out in their community. Afterward, many felt moved by the experience.
“It makes me view life and people from a different point of view. No matter what challenges you may be facing you can always find a support group and opportunities to have fun,” Georgia College junior Elijah Gaddy said.
The contestants were each awarded at the end of the pageant, and all appeared uplifted by the praise and compliments they shared.
“I call it Christmas. It's the best day of the year. Your heart is just so full of joy and love here. You see first-hand the impact you’re making,” Pederson said.
“It’s a good thing for people in the community to come and keep an open mind and you fall in love and realize it’s not how much we’re different; it’s how much we’re alike. It really changes your perspective on life and finding the joy in everything.”