Olivia Wamack has been an advocate for people with special needs, and if she’s crowned Miss Georgia USA, she’ll use that platform to promote her cause.
“A disability doesn’t mean no ability,” said Wamack, who will represent the area as Miss Augusta USA during the Miss Georgia USA pageant Feb. 18-20 in McDonough, Ga.
As a Greenbrier High School student, Wamack had a close friend with cerebral palsy. At 24, she has a nephew with Down Syndrome, so it hits closer to home. One of the causes she champions is a program called Best Buddies.
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Founded in 1989, Best Buddies is an international organization that works to end “the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” according to its website.
Best Buddies pairs a person with an intellectual or developmental disability with someone who does not have one, said Wamack.
Wamack believes it’s a great program; however, the closest chapter to Augusta is in Atlanta. She’s pushed for an office to be established in Augusta.
Even without the state title, Wamack will continue to advocate for the organization.
The Miss Georgia USA pageant is part of the Miss Universe system. Miss Georgia USA will try for the title of Miss USA.
Wamack said she first became interested in pageants when she was 15. Her first pageant was the Miss Greenbrier High School pageant. She’s competed in the Miss Georgia USA pageant before and hopes that this will be the winning year.
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Wamack said pageants have taught her many things and believes she’s grown through her affiliation with them.
“Pageants have prepared me for life and professionally,” she said. “I don’t think I would be who I am without them. I am confident and strong in who I am.”
The pageant is a three-day event. The first day includes a motivational speaker for the contestants as well as rehearsal for the opening number and a preliminary interview with the judges.
The second day includes the preliminaries with the contestants taking part in the evening gown and active wear/swimsuit competitions.
The final night will feature the crowning of Miss Georgia USA and Miss Teen Georgia USA.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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