Pageants are commonplace in many areas of the country, but it is rare for a contestant to reach the national level. This year one of Elizabethton’s own rose to the top.

Director of Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy Amy Simmons participates in competitions as well, and this year she came home with a national title, representing Elizabethton pride across the country.

“It was really exciting representing Elizabethton on this level,” Simmons said.

The title, World’s Miss Tourism Grand Supreme, appeared during the Miss Tourism National Pageant in Nashville this past weekend.

She also received special recognition for the Congeniality and Hollywood Talent competition.

Because of the nature of the competition, she said she was competing with other contestants as young as 18.

“You have to give it your all,” she said. “I trained for months.”

Like many other pageants, Simmons competed in a variety of different categories, including interview and attire.

Beyond the pageant itself, however, was the platform she represented: “Breaking the Silence, to Live in the Light” a focus on women who live in or through abusive situations and relationships.

“It meant a lot to me, because I am a survivor of that,” she said. “I want to turn that pain into gain, to be a role model for other women.”

This is a platform she said she plans to continue raising awareness for and lending support towards throughout the year.

“I look forward to engaging with the community,” Simmons said.

Simmons recently helped organize a children’s pageant as part of the city’s Fourth of July celebration, and she continues to teach dance at her academy.

In particular, she said she is planning another pageant similar to the Fourth of July one called “Miss Magic Moment” on September 14.

“I was proud to be from Elizabethton,” she said. “It brought attention to this area.”

In addition she said she is working with Frontier Health Safe Houses to assist women in need.

She said women should be free to express themselves without fear of consequences.

“Do not be somebody else,” Simmons said. “Be your own, unique self.”