Plainfield Sixth-Grader Shines at Miss Amazing Pageant

• Photo: Lillian Currey, 11, shows her Miss Amazing pageant trophies after representing Illinois in the national Miss Amazing pageant in Chicago on July 3, 2016. Currey, a sixth grader at Drauden Point Middle School, was named Miss Amazing queen at the state level in March. The pageant is for young women who have learning challenges.

Plainfield, IL — Eleven-year-old Lillian Currey can turn any space -- from the playground to her home – into a dance floor.

“I can express my feelings by dancing,” said the Drauden Point Middle School sixth grader, explaining her passion for dance.

Currey competed on July 3, 2016 at the Miss Amazing national competition after winning the pre-teen division for Illinois at the Miss Amazing Pageant in March. The state event was held in Naperville. This was the first time she competed in the pageant.

She also won three awards for community service from President Obama in conjunction with her participation in the pageant.

The Miss Amazing Pageant is for women ages 5 to 35 with learning challenges. It was created by Nebraska resident Jordan Somer, who was an avid Special Olympics volunteer.

And it is no surprise that Currey, who struggles with reading and writing, danced for her pageant talent.

Even though she didn’t win her division at the national event, Currey said, she had fun and was really proud of the girls who did win.

That ability to praise others in the face of defeat is something Karen Currey said her daughter has learned through Miss Amazing.

“This pageant has allowed her to open up possibilities and have the opportunity to shine,” Karen Currey said.

Lillian Currey plans to keep on dancing with her eye on it as a career.

Until then, Currey is looking forward to entering middle school in August and wants to try out for the Drauden Point dance and track teams.

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202