Brewster Hosts State Event for Miss Amazing!

Suzanne Morrissey

Apr 28 2023

In what has become a signature community service event at Brewster, the N.H. Miss Amazing Amplify event went off without a hitch (and with a lot of joy!) on April 16. The event celebrates girls and women with disabilities, giving them a chance to showcase their passions, personalities, and talents—and have a moment to sparkle in a pageant-style evening wear competition. For Brewster students, it’s a chance to spend a day with incredible people and help them prepare for the events. Whether that’s joining the contestants for their musical performances, lending a hand with hair and makeup, connecting and chatting to help calm nerves, or escorting the girls and women on stage for their turn in the spotlight, dozens of student volunteers stepped up to make the special day run smoothly.

Benjamin Weiss ’24 served as a volunteer, and was busy throughout the day. “When I got to Esta at 10 a.m., a friend and I set up the photo booth wall. I also arranged tables, set up supplies, and cleaned up,” he explained. “During the dress rehearsal and the pageant I participated as a right-hand man, which meant walking the contestants onto the stage and handing them flowers.” And what was the most fun? “Definitely the official pageant—it was awesome to see how everyone’s hard work culminated into the event. It was a lot of fun!”

Volunteer Caitlin Cliche ’26 also found the experience fun and worthwhile, saying, “I loved the environment that was created for these performers and competitors. Everyone wanted a chance to show who they are and all that they do, and I think that everyone was truly just amazing. During the show, one of the younger kids could not communicate verbally so she used an iPad. A person was there to help her through and it was such a heartwarming moment that made me feel completely understood. I loved this event and all it had to offer to us about what life is like in the eyes of others."

One of the event’s judges, Misti Nordstrom, was overwhelmed with gratitude and shared how thankful she was to be a part of the Miss Amazing pageant. “I met so many incredible people and will forever be inspired by the interactions I had with each of the amazing contestants, volunteers, and families!” she said, adding that Maria Found, our Director of Community Service who is also the state of New Hampshire’s Miss Amazing Director, was “an inspiration to all of us.” Mrs. Found, along with Emily James, are the driving force behind the celebration.

“It’s an honor and privilege to work with a school whose students step up time and again to create opportunities for others,” Mrs. Found said. “The support shown for our state event was another example of how our community rallies to show their warmth and compassion.”

If you could not make this uplifting event in person, you can enjoy it in the recording here. And see all the smiles in our photo album here.