The sky’s the limit for Franklin teen Sarah Louise Kerr.
For her interview with Local Town Pages, the Franklin High School freshman created a video all about herself, from possible careers (maybe a model or fashion designer/maybe a marine biologist), to her favorite things to do (arts and crafts to swimming and performing), to what clubs she’d like to join (theatre tops the list).
It comes as no surprise, then, that this almost 16-year-old, middle child between two brothers, who loves arts, music and theatre, was crowned Massachusetts Miss Amazing, Junior Teen 2019. And in August, she’ll represent the Commonwealth in the National Miss Amazing Pageant in Chicago.
This was the sixth annual Miss Amazing pageant held at Medfield High School, says Lisa Kerr, Sarah’s Mom, who admires the program for the confidence it inspires. The event, which began in Nebraska in 2007 and has since been held in over 30 states with 1,700 contestants, celebrates the multi-faceted identities and valuable abilities and strengths of girls and women with disabilities.
According to the Kerrs, contestants’ merit was based on four parts. First, came judges’ interviews. Second was their formalwear. Tessa wore a beautiful blue gown and was accompanied by her escort, Jack Molio. After dinner with their escorts, contestants got ready in the makeup room, and later introduced themselves on stage, the third area in which they were judged.
“It was fun to get dressed up and be myself and tell everyone about me,” says Sarah.
Finally, came the talent portion of the contest.
Sarah and her Mom choreographed a dance to “The Nicest Kid in Town,” a song from Hairspray in which Sarah was dressed as Tracy Turnblad.
“I love Hairspray, and I even have the live one and the original movie,” says Sarah, who has all its songs from the movie committed to memory.
In addition to her “Right Hand Man” Jack Mollo, Sarah also had help throughout the day from buddies Tess Mollo and Nora Addi.
Backstage, contestants were treated to yoga, a quiet drawing room, time with a golden doodle therapy dog, carnival games, a photo booth, a scavenger hunt and more.
“It was so organized. I was impressed with the whole program,” says Lisa. “As a parent who attended for the first time, it was amazing. The girls have such varied abilities. Some are verbal, some aren’t, some use wheelchairs, some can sing beautifully and others dance. We really just went for a day of fun, and she ended up being crowned.”
“I actually was really excited,” says Sarah, on winning the crown. As winner, Sarah was thrilled with her prizes, which included a trophy.
The Massachusetts Miss Amazing Pageant will air on Medfield Cable Access, found on channel 47 for Verizon customers and channel 8 for Comcast customers.
To learn more about the Massachusetts Miss Amazing Pageant, visit
http://ma.missamazing.org/massachusetts-miss-amazing.
Issue Date:
May, 2019
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