Lillian Currey can turn any space – from the playground to her home – into a dance floor.
The 11-year-old Plainfield girl competed July 3 at the Miss Amazing national competition, after winning the pre-teen division for Illinois at the Miss Amazing Pageant in March. This was Currey’s first time competing in the pageant.
“I can express my feelings by dancing,” the Drauden Point Middle School sixth grader said.
Currey 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 [Lillian] to open up possibilities and have the opportunity to shine,” her mother said.
Currey, who plans to keep on dancing with her eye on it as a career, is looking forward to entering middle school in August and wants to try out for the Drauden Point dance and track teams.