Beauty of Hope Pageant
What girl doesn't dream of being crowned queen? Sometimes that dream comes true. It happened for six young ladies from Indiana and Illinois on March 14th, and I was blessed to be part of the day through photography. The Beauty of Hope Pageant began in 2013 and is organized by Laura Bell with the dual purpose of providing girls the opportunity to learn and compete in the pageant arena as well as raising awareness and funding for the American Cancer Society. The pageant is hosted in Danville, IL and, being on the boarder of Illinois and Indiana, draws participants from both states. Each of the girls participates in honor of a family member or friend who has cancer or who has had cancer in the past and raises funds in his or her honor. The participant who raises the most funds is awarded the Humanitarian Award, and all participants who raise at least $100 are awarded a Hope Award. Other awards include the Photogenic Award and the Cherished Queen Award, which goes to the past queen who earns the most points for community involvement during her term. She is invited back to reign another year with the new court.
This year was my first year to photograph the BOH pageant, and my first ever pageant experience as well. The day started out with interviews. The nervous girls lined the halls of the host church dressed in their interview attire and waiting for their turn before the judges. As they came out of the interview room, they chatted with each other about what questions the judges had asked. Most of them stopped by the photo station to have their pictures taken in their business outfits. Then they headed out for lunch.
After lunch the girls came back and had hair and makeup done and changed into jeans and pageant t-shirts. Most of them stopped back by the photo station for a shot with their framed pictures of honorees. The main pageant event before a live audience started in the late afternoon with the girls' introductions. The previous year's queens made their farewell speeches, and there were plenty of tears among the girls---and the parents!
After introductions the girls changed into their model wear. According to my understanding, this could be anything from a costume representing a decade or historical period, to the uniform of a sport or activity, or career wear representing their future aspirations. It was fun to see their different looks!
Finally, each girl changed into her dress or evening gown and returned before the judges a final time. At this time each girl had to draw a question to answer on the spot. The girls were all so poised and elegant!
Finally, the judges' decisions were made and the awards were presented! Every single one of the girls earned a Hope Award! The Humanitarian Award went to first time competitor Janelle, who also won a photogenic award AND the Little Miss crown! The other photogenic awards were made and the crowns placed on the heads of the 2020 queens. The other 2020 queens include Keeley (Young Miss), Alexxis (Junior Miss), Audrey (Teen Miss), and Keragan (Miss). Finally, the Cherished Queen award was presented to Mia! Congratulations to ALL of the queens, runners up, and every participant!
After the final group picture we went back and took some more portraits with the crowns and sashes!
To Laura and team, judges, stylists, volunteers, and parents--Bravo! Well done!
