r By Deborah Goodman
Spanish Fork resident, fourteen-year-old Ashlyn Jackman, was crowned Utah’s Miss Amazing Junior Teen Queen on April 14 of this year in Bountiful. The pageant promotes self-esteem in women and girls who have a disability. Sixty competitors from around the state were involved.
Ashlyn, a sophomore at Maple Mountain High School and daughter of Heidi and Aaron Jackman, has a long list of hobbies, including music, dance, being around friends and her four siblings, horseback riding, soccer, basketball, knee boarding, writing and traveling.
Ashlyn wanted to do the pageant not only because she enjoys dressing up and getting her hair done, but because she loves meeting and talking with people. For the pageant, she was interviewed by several judges, introduced herself onstage, was presented in evening wear, and performed a talent with her older sister—dancing to the song “Sisters” from the movie White Christmas.
Wowing the judges, she was crowned the Queen in her division. After winning, a surprised Ashlyn said, “I didn’t think it would be me. I am so shocked! All of the girls in the pageant are so special. They are all queens and I will try to be the best queen that I can be!”
This feeling of goodwill towards others will serve her well August 3rd through the 6th as she competes in the National Miss Amazing pageant in Chicago. There is a lot she must do to prepare, including performing 250 hours of volunteer service and participating in fundraisers. Getting ready for the competition events themselves will take a lot of time, as will finding clothing to wear for the evening wear presentation, the gala, a pajama party with the other contestants and their “buddies,” and the interviews.
Participating in the national event requires a lot of money. It costs $2500 for Ashlyn and her mother to go and around $5000 for her father and siblings to attend and cheer her on. The community has already responded to help. Savers, Cowboy Donuts, and Panda Express have all lent support.
There will be a Spanish Fork Chik Fil A fundraiser (825 US-6) on July 11th, Ashlyn’s birthday, from 5-8 p.m. Ashlyn will get 15% of sales if you mention you are there for “Ashlyn’s Spirit Night.” Get a car wash at the Spanish Fork Wiggy Wash (794 S. Main St.) on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Ashlyn and her friends will hand dry your car for $3 plus tips. She will get to keep any money they make from hand drying and tips.
The easiest and best way to donate is to visit donate.missamazing.org/fundraiser/1429818. This method will ensure 100% of the donation will be given to Ashlyn directly and sponsors’ and donors’ names will be listed in the National Miss Amazing event program.
You can follow Ashlyn’s Miss Amazing journey on her Instagram @ashlyn-jackman and on her YouTube channel, The Sassy Life of Ashlyn.
