‘Relay For Life Pageant’ offers hope after dark times
Published 1:50 pm Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Relay for Life Pageant contestants
Amy Simmons, World’s Classic Ms. Tourism
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By Angela H. Cutrer
Star correspondent
A positive event Oct. 26 after such a tragic autumn start put a spotlight on a weekend of smiles, pops of colors and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
After all, that’s what Relay For Life is all about.
The 5th Annual Elizabethton Miss Relay For Life Pageant in Elizabethton saw eight age-division queens crowned from the contestant pool, all of whom wore formal dresses of their choice and “cupcake” dresses for the “littles,” ranging from ages birth to infinity.
“This always brings me such joy to direct this very meaningful and heartfelt event,” said the pageant director, Amy Simmons, who herself is “World’s Classic Ms. Tourism.”
As in the past, the Miss Relay For Life Pageant in Elizabethton seeks to illuminate the American Cancer Society’s motto of “choose hope, together we all win.” Never before has such a mentality been needed after the life-changing, devastating results of Hurricane Helene’s wrath.
This annual pageant is held in honor and dedication to those fighting cancer and those who have passed. The “People’s Choice” crown and sash rewards the contestant who collected $1 “Good Luck Wish Votes” as a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Contestants wrote names of survivors and dedicated a star to those they are remembering as they competed. The stars marked the way, as each contestant walked down the runway.
“I am honored to be the first director in Elizabethton to produce this event,” Simmons added. “I love hearing the contestants’ stories behind their reason for entering. The dedications and remembrances is such a testimony to the love of family and friends and their hope to find a cure.”
The list of Miss Relay For Life queens crowned Saturday is as follows:
- Wee Miss Relay For Life Aubrey Walton
- Tiny Miss Relay For Life Hannah Harless
- Little Miss Relay For Life Isabella Anim
- Junior Miss Relay For Life Nicole Oaks
- Senior Miss Relay For Life Raegan Shockley
- Elegant Ms Relay For Life Hanna Tolley
- Classic Ms Relay For Life Chrissy Campbell
- Modern Ms Relay For Life Andrea Morton
- People’s Choice Queen Aubrey Walton
“This pageant grows each year, and I am so proud of each and every contestant who took her walk down the Miss Relay For Life runway,” Simmons said.
“I am blessed to share in this experience – to see and feel the love was truly a testament to God working through a community.”
