It Gets Better Everyday.

Yesterday in my blog I talked about the great comments that I get about the pageant from parents and contestants.  As part of my role as the state director I consider it my responsibility to inspire these kids to strive to be their best, to set goals, and be proud of who they are, just the way they are.  Every pageant weekend I go into with this mind set, but more often I find myself being the inspired, not the inspirer. 

A couple of years ago in Kentucky we had a young lady participate who had cerebral palsy.  She chose to compete in the optional spokesmodel competition.  She delivered one of the most powerful and touching speeched I have ever heard.  Now keep in mind, simply get on stage alone is a feat of heroism all on its own, but as she spoke she reached every heart in the room.  She talked about how she was “abled” and not “disabled”; what an amazing outlook on life!  It’s so often when I find myself disappointed but something small and meaningless, imagine suffering from this disease like this little girl, and in the mist of it all knowing that her possibilities are limitless.

Even today I was inspired.  I got a call from a mom who just wanted to call and tell me what was going on in her daughter’s life.  During our conversation she told me about something that her daughter did at the state pageant that made her proud to be her mother.

For those of you who have been to one of my state pageants you will remember that as the girls come out of interviews, all the parents (whether it’s their child or not) cheer for them as they are escorted into the parent waiting room.  Well this particular 15 year old, who’s name was about 2/3 of the way through the interview noticed that as she came in the crowd of parents had dwindled down to just those who where still waiting for thier child.  This contestant chose to stay in the waiting room to cheer for every single last one of the contestants who came out of interviews.  Her mom told me that she wanted every contest to have the experience of hearing people cheer for her as she completed her interview…….wow! 

Always remember, no matter how old or young you are, you have the chance to inspire!

~Matt

Author: Matt Leverton

Hello, my name is Matt Leverton. I am the state director for the North Carolina, Georgia, South Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Oregon pageants for National American Miss.

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