Casey Ecker signs and signs to Amy Grants ‘Don’t Try So Hard’ for her talent performance; Ecker receives her trophy.
Organizer Michaela Dove, a Milligan College junior, hoped Saturday night’s “Ms. Princess Pageant” at Milligan’s Gregory Center would leave each participant feeling love and support from the community. Dove’s hopes were more than realized in an event that drew 17 area women with special needs and challenges in a night that allowed them to express themselves and celebrate their inner and outer beauty alike.
“We had one woman who came up to one of the escorts and said, ‘this is the best day of my life,’” Dove said. “It was an absolute success.”
Brlley Rowe
Dove is the event coordinator for LINC (Linking Individuals to the Needs of the Community), a student-run organization that connects Milligan students to volunteer needs in the community. LINC sponsored the pageant. Dove said volunteers including escorts, a seamstress, an event planner and others came together, “to show love to the special needs community and to give them an opportunity they might not necessarily get to have.”
Participants walked the stage in formalwear, completed short interviews and performed a talent for the audience. At the night’s conclusion, all were crowned and given awards.
“It is something I would love to see happen again,” Dove said. “It might have been the best night of my college experience. It was very, very special.”
To learn more about LINC, call (423) 461-8711.
Rachel Pickle
Sadie Moore tosses her hat while dancing to Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’.
amara Correnti tap dances to ‘Rocky Top.’
