DALLAS CENTER, Iowa — Freddie Powell is a 12-year-old from Dallas Center with Turner Syndrome, but she is also now the 2024 National Miss Amazing.
To qualify for the national event which was held in Chicago from July 26-28, Powell first won the Miss Amazing Amplify event in West Des Moines back in March.
The competition, which solidified Powell as Iowa Miss Amazing, consisted of an interview, passion presentation and formal wear showcase much like the national competition.
Powell especially enjoyed the interviews and passion presentations as she loves to share her interests. This year, her presentation centered on raising money to help endangered animals, specifically the vaquita and orangutan.
Over the past few years, Powell began an Endangered Animals Club where she raises money through frequently held lemonade stand fundraisers, and she has raised $1,600 so far.
Powell and her family are thankful for the support they received along the way, and she was happy to build new friendships and meet new people while also getting to have fun with friends from Perry, Dallas Center and Central Iowa as a whole. She is also thankful to have been able connect with other friends and family from across the country as well as with her mentor, a previous Miss Amazing from Madison, Wis.
“I have felt the love and support from so many people since I was crowned Iowa Miss Amazing and now as the National Miss Amazing queen," Powell said. "It has been really neat to be reminded of how many people care about my efforts. I hope that as the National Miss Amazing queen, I will be able to show other girls who don’t always fit in that they are special and should be celebrated.”
The Miss Amazing competition was created to be a celebration for girls and women ages 10 and above with ADA-qualified chronic illnesses or disabilities to ensure equal opportunities, help build self-esteem and dismantle stereotypes.