- February 24, 2025
A place where hugs are constantly given and the competition is always friendly.
Behind the curtains at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center on Feb. 28 was a frenzy of activity. Sparkling crowns, pink tutus and shiny black
shoes rushed back and forth in the tight corners backstage. The chattered conversations between parents and contestants as pictures were being taken could easily be heard by the front row. It was showtime.
But this pageant is no ordinary pageant. The Shining STARS Pageant and Fashion Show is easily the crowning glory of the events put on by the city of Ormond Beach’s Special Populations Division of the Department of Leisure Services. During the event, both children and adults with special needs are given the opportunity to showcase their many talents, and put a smile on literally every face the crowd — including my own.
This was my second year attending, and I decided to arrive a little earlier than normal to really get a sense of what it takes to put on the show. Really, I intended on being a fly in wall as to not get in anyone’s way, but that didn’t last long.
Walking into the door I was greeted by woman name Carol who could not stop talking about how gorgeous the woman in front of her’s smile was. There was no introduction or handshake between
us, just a rush of information casually provided by someone who is usually your best friend. And that was pretty much the nature of every conversation I had with a STARS contestant.
After taking her place in line, Charity Gallagher called me over and asked very kindly if I could go grab her butterfly purse that she left by her chair. Faith and trust in total strangers, another admirable quality of the STARS contestants.
As I took what I’ve come to know as my usual seat (on the floor, right in front of center stage), I thought about what I used to think pageants were: a beauty contest. But after my experiences with the STARS of Ormond Beach, I know it so much more than that. Whether they were singing their hearts out or dancing with their friends, the contestants felt as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.
And if that’s not worth celebrating, I don’t know what is.
