Marina
In a heartwarming and inspirational moment, Bethany Barclay of Lawrence, Kansas, has captured the crown at the Kansas Miss Amazing pageant.
The event, held on Saturday, celebrated not only beauty but also determination, advocacy, and the power of perseverance.
Barclay, aged 26, who has Down syndrome, emerged victorious among several contestants in this unique pageant designed to empower young women with physical or developmental challenges.
What Is Miss Amazing?
Miss Amazing is a national nonprofit pageant and movement that offers girls and women with disabilities the chance to showcase their talents, personalities, goals, and voices in a supportive environment.
The organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for self-esteem, leadership, and civic engagement among participants.
In Kansas, the Kansas Miss Amazing chapter is part of this larger network and follows similar format guidelines, including interviews, talent, gown competition, and a session to talk about goals and advocacy.
The Pageant Day & Competition Format
On the day of the Kansas Miss Amazing pageant, contestants participated in several segments:
- Gown Competition – Contestants wore formal evening gowns and were evaluated on poise, presentation, and confidence.
- Talent Competition – Each participant presented a skill or performance. Barclay chose interpretive dance as her talent.
- Interview / Question Segment – Contestants answered questions about their goals, advocacy, and personal stories.
- “Goals Talk” Segment – This allowed each contestant to articulate her aspirations, plans, and vision for the coming year.
These varied segments allow judges to assess not only outward appearance, but inner strength, clarity of purpose, and the ability to represent and advocate for the disability community.
Barclay’s strength in the talent and interview segments helped her stand out among contestants, and her performance of interpretive dance evidently impressed both the judges and audience.
Bethany Barclay: From Lawrence to the Crown
- Name: Bethany Barclay
- Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas
- Age: 26
- Condition: Down syndrome
- Talent: Interpretive dance
- Next step: She will represent Kansas at the National Miss Amazing pageant in July in Chicago
- Year-long duties: Public appearances, speaking engagements, and advocating for disabled individuals to reach their potential
Barclay, with her win, becomes a role model for others with disabilities, showing that dreams are not constrained by labels.
Key Facts & Figures
| Aspect | Detail / Value |
|---|---|
| Winner | Bethany Barclay |
| Hometown | Lawrence, Kansas |
| Age | 26 |
| Disability / Condition | Down syndrome |
| Talent Performance | Interpretive dance |
| Pageant Segments | Gown, Talent, Interview, Goals Talk |
| State Title | Kansas Miss Amazing |
| National Pageant | July in Chicago (Miss Amazing national) |
| Year-Long Role | Public appearances, advocacy |
What’s Next: National Stage & Advocacy
As Kansas’ Miss Amazing, Barclay will take on a busy schedule of public appearances across Kansas and beyond, speaking about issues faced by people with disabilities and working to help maximize opportunities for those individuals.
In July, she will participate in the National Miss Amazing pageant in Chicago, representing Kansas on the national stage. Winning at the national level would further broaden her platform and reach for advocacy.
Her journey forward is not just about pageantry—it’s about raising visibility, changing perceptions, and serving as a voice for others in the disability community.
Why This Win Matters
- Breaking Stereotypes: Barclay’s victory underscores that a person’s value is not defined by limitations but by spirit, talent, and character.
- Amplifying Voices: As a titleholder, she gains a platform to speak about inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
- Inspiration: For many individuals and families facing developmental or physical challenges, her success is a beacon of hope and possibility.
- Changing Pageantry Norms: Traditional pageants often focus heavily on appearance. Miss Amazing’s model, and Barclay’s win, highlights the importance of personality, mission, talent, and purpose.
Bethany Barclay’s crowning as Kansas’ Miss Amazing is more than just a pageant victory—it’s a moment that highlights resilience, advocacy, and the belief that every individual deserves a platform.
At 26 years old, with Down syndrome, Barclay has shown that barriers can be challenged and dreams realized. Her journey ahead—toward the national stage in Chicago and through her year of service—holds the promise of positive change, greater visibility for disability causes, and hope for many others watching her lead.
Her win truly captures what Miss Amazing stands for: empowering voices, celebrating potential, and redefining what it means to wear a crown.