By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
The pageant experience is notoriously difficult to pursue. A sophomore at Carbon High aims to change that as Bentley Bennett, Miss Sego Lily’s Teen, seeks to host the ‘Crowning Confidence’ all-abilities pageant.
As a part of her push for the program, Bennett presented to the Price City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 25, seeking a fee waiver for the Price Civic Auditorium and seeking donations, both monetary and otherwise.
“My service initiative is ‘ Confidence in Yourself, ‘ and I decided to create this pageant because I love doing pageants myself, and I wanted to spread that joy to whoever I could,” explained Bennett to the council. “I realized that people with special needs don’t really have the ability and opportunity to be able to do pageants as they are regularly held. And I know that in Price, we haven’t really held anything like this. So, I thought that I would start one.”
“Crowning Confidence celebrates individuals with special needs by giving them a platform to shine, share their stories, and feel celebrated for who they are,” reads the pageant’s registration form. “Through this event, we promote inclusion, confidence, and community connection – reminding everyone that beauty, courage, and confidence come from within.”
This message aligns with Bennett’s service initiative, which aims to empower individuals, regardless of who they are.
“I’m asking for your help by waiving the fee for the rental space for our event. We will not be charging a participation entry fee or for admittance to the event, but we are relying on community sponsorships and donations,” said Bennett. “We cannot wait to share this hopefully annual event with our community and make sure every heart gets a credit.”
When put to a vote by the council, not only did the body approve the fee waiver, but it also donated $250 to benefit the pageant.
The ‘Crowning Confidence’ all-abilities pageant takes place on Saturday, Jan. 10, in the Price Civic Auditorium. To register or for more information, email happy.bennycole@gmail.com.
