I am a pageant queen! I have also been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) which is on the autism spectrum. I am a fourth grade special education student. I am busy with my gymnastics, dance, swim team and cheerleading. I love to read and play with my dogs. I get sad when I see people who are unhappy or who do not have any friends. I want to help them.
I have written two books about my life since being adopted from a Russian orphanage. I am also one of the youngest children in the country to have received an award from the Kohl's Kids Care Scholarship Program which recognizes young people who made a difference in their community. In addition, I have raised thousands of dollars to help children in need (especially special needs children) and their families. Since I spent the first year of my life in a Russian orphanage, I have had a long way to go to make it to the pageant stage. Since September 2014, I have competed in 29 pageants winning 28 pageant titles. My pageant platform is "special needs means special abilities - the importance of self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities". I sincerely believe that individuals with disabilities can achieve great things in life and make a tremendous positive difference in the lives of others. When I grow up, I want to be a role model for others and start my own charitable foundation that will support children with special needs.
Bonaire, GA
