Arkansas Miss Amazing pageant empowers girls with disabilities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — The Arkansas Miss Amazing pageant, an event dedicated to empowering girls with disabilities, is preparing its titleholders for the national competition next month.

Among those heading to the national stage is Gracie Saint Romain, who will be making her fifth appearance.

Rhonda Morgan, director of Arkansas Miss Amazing, explained the significance of the pageant.

“It’s a really fun organization for the girls to get out there in the community and get to know other people with disabilities,” she said. “Getting to meet different people and getting out of their comfort zone, just getting out there and meeting new friends and making a sisterhood bond with everybody.”

The pageant, which has been held in Bentonville in recent years, is moving to Central Arkansas to increase accessibility. “We wanted to bring it down to Central Arkansas because we thought that would open the door to make it more available to other folks in the state,” Morgan said. “It’s centralized, so it’s a two-hour point from pretty much all four corners.”

Saint Romain shared how the pageant has impacted her life. “It’s really benefited me because I’ve met so many different girls with different disabilities, and honestly, I don’t see them for their disability. I see them for who they are. They’re the most genuine people.”

The national pageant will take place in Chicago, where six Arkansas representatives will compete in modeling, interviews, and showcase their talents. The event also features the Miss Amazing Buddy Program, where volunteers are paired with participants to assist them throughout the day.

Morgan said there is a need for volunteers and sponsors as the pageant expands in Central Arkansas. “We’re needing donations for our silent auction, which is a fundraiser. We’re needing a venue, people who have different skills that can help us out, photographers, videographers, buddies, right-hand men,” she said.

For those interested in supporting the Arkansas Miss Amazing pageant, information can be found at missamazing.org or on the Arkansas Miss Amazing Facebook page.