Breaking the Mold

I always wanted to be in a pageant.  Maybe it was the sparkly crown.  Maybe it was the beautiful gowns the girls get to wear.  Maybe it was just the confidence and poise with which they carried themselves.  Yet, I felt like I couldn’t belong.  I believed I wasn’t pretty enough, so I lived years suppressing this heart’s desire.  Then, last year it stirred in my heart once again.  My confidence has grown over the years and now my attitude was “why not?”  I wanted to break the mold.  I wanted to show them what true beauty is and what it means.  I didn’t care what people would think about a girl with a physical difference competing in a beauty pageant.  I knew I had what it takes.  At 28, I was too old to compete in Miss America or Miss Universe, but a friend introduced me to Pure American Pageants.  It is a new pageant system that is Christian based.  They accept people of all different ages, sizes, races, etc.  I knew this was the perfect pageant for me.  I won Ms. Pennsylvania and went on to finish 1st Runner Up at Nationals.  The national staff awarded me with the Overcomer Award because I taught everyone what beauty really is and I never let all the adversities I faced in my life stop me; I overcame with strength, integrity, and beauty.

I learned that beauty pageants are so much more than beauty.  These women and young girls I met were intelligent, brave, genuine, confident, well-spoken, had a heart for their communities and helping others, and their inner beauty radiated outside.  I made lifelong friends.

This spring, I returned to the state pageant to give up my title.  The year of reigning as Ms. Pennsylvania was exhausting but worth every moment.  I took part in a lot of different community service projects, spoke at many events, attended festivals, traveled, and led ministries.  As a result of my endeavors and how I represented Pure’s motto of “inspire, lead, achieve”, I was crowned the Pennsylvania Ultimate Queen which gave me the chance to return to Nationals.

Nationals took place in Orlando, Florida last month.  I was so excited to catch up with old friends and make some new ones…after all, these women are life-changers and go-getters.  They are inspirational.  They lead by example.  They achieve their dreams and goals.  The first day began with an opening ceremony where I was given the honor of carrying Pennsylvania’s flag.  Then I had 30 seconds to introduce myself.  That night finished with a 1950s themed party.  The next day, I modeled two different outfits (party wear and casual wear) and walked in my evening gown.  I had the opportunity to attend a runway workshop with model and editor of Tiara Magazine, Sherrie Gearhart.  The following morning I competed in the optional competitions (these ones do not determine the outcome of who wins the title and crown).  I modeled a high end fashion outfit and gave a speech about inspiration.  The final day was when I had an interview with each judge.

Tiara Magazine was covering the entire event and I was interviewed by them twice.  The second time was specifically devoted to my story.  I loved that they were willing to let me share it.

I ended up winning the Modeling and Model Portfolio optionals, took first runner up in Speech and given my combined optional scores were the highest in my age division I won National Super Optional champ.  I was completely shocked when I was announced as Miss Congeniality!  That meant so much to me because the young women in my age division were the ones who voted me as their favorite.  I did not win the national crown and title but I made the top five and finished as third runner up in a very tough competition.

So, this girl broke the mold.  I may have a skin disorder, but it does not define me.  I can be a queen.  I can shine.  I am confident.  I can stand alongside other beautiful girls because I am beautiful.

Carrying Pennsylvania’s Flag

Personal Introduction

Modeling Party Wear

Modeling Casual Wear

Modeling Evening Gown

Interview With Sherrie Gearhart of Tiara Magazine

Ladies in my Age Division ready for interview

Top Five!

All professional photos are by Clover Storm Photography.