Hair Isn't Everything, Even If You're Competing For Miss America!

I'm a little late at posting this, as the Miss America Pageant for 2011 is now over. But, I watched the pageant when it aired on January 15th and was intrigued by one of the contestants who made it to the top ten - Kayla Martell (Miss Delaware.) Kayla was diagnosed with Alopecia when she was a little girl and lost all of her hair at age 13. She obviously didn't let it slow her down or keep her from achieving her dreams though.

Here's an interview she did on the Early Show about her disease and beauty pageants :

During the Miss America Pageant they showed another interview with her where she said that she thinks of her wigs as fun accessories she gets to wear. She seems to be completely comfortable going bald and actually competed in a few pageants without a wig.

I know the pre-teen and teenage years can be very hard and a lot of focus seems to be on the outward appearance at that age. I think Kayla is a great role model for young girls. It's great that she is so confidant and doesn't let her hair loss get in the way.

I am a strong believer in what is on the inside of a person is much more important than what is on the outside. Besides that, isn't she gorgeous either way?!

Photo courtesy of people.com

Photo courtesy of naaf.org

I love that someone made it to the Miss America pageant who doesn't necessarily fit the standard of "perfection" that is usually represented. I hope to see more of that in the future!