Special-needs residents crowned, showcased at STARS Pageant

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Last weekend's Shining STARS Pageant and Fashion Show made kings and queens out of special needs residents, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

BY MIKE CAVALIERE | ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ormond Beach residents with special needs did their little turns on the catwalk Saturday, March 2, at the city’s Leisure Services Special Populations Therapeutic Recreation presentation of the 10^th-annual Shining STARS Pageant and Fashion Show, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

Of 50 total participants, the locals are listed as follows: Arianna Almo, Kaitlyn Grimes, Darbie Lynn Butts, John Hearn, Al Kegle, Kristie Chairavelle, David Brown, Kelli Greene, Mikayla Rogers, Mikenna Rogers, Rachael Dunaway, Ronnie Vandel, Ashley Kersey, Alexandria Rivera, and Faith Suddeth. They each answered questions like, What are your dreams? And, If you won the lottery, how would you use the money? Then there was singing, cheer-leading and other performances.

“The best thing about the pageant is that everyone gets a chance to shine, and goes home with a crown and gift bag,” said Lori Koplin, event coordinator.

The show attracted a turnout of 180.

The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center has also launched a new online platform for ticket-buying. Seats can be purchased in advance of shows at www.ormondbeach.org.

Call 676-3375.