ROHS junior Amy Clegg participated in the Michigan Miss Amazing pageant on May 6th, 2023 in Novi, Michigan. With six age groups and nineteen participants, Clegg was selected as Michigan Miss Amazing Teen, earning her a spot at the organization’s national conference in Chicago, Illinois on July 28th-30th.
The Miss Amazing organization encourages and empowers females with disabilities by showcasing their talents and promoting their goals with the mission of creating lasting connections and friendships for all participants.
Clegg proudly engaged with the crowd, making everyone, including her mom, beam with joy.
“The instructions were to keep your introduction under 30 seconds. Amy said, ‘Hi, my name is Amy Clegg. I’m from Royal Oak, Michigan, and I’m a movie girl!’ Short and sweet, and everything you need to know about Amy,” said Esther Clegg, Amy’s mom.
Clegg worked hard to earn her trip to Chicago, setting a goal to raise the funds necessary to attend. After meeting that goal, she was able to enjoy a weekend this past summer with her family in the Windy City.
“It was so fun,” she said. “My favorite part was my presentation while wearing my Mirabel dress. I got to wear my pink dress. It is my favorite color,” said Clegg. “I got to go to Chicago with my mom and dad, and talk about movies!”
Clegg also noted that she enjoyed watching other girls perform, especially one who dressed up as Elsa and sang “Let it Go” from “Frozen.”
ROHS teacher Celeste Rudd, who has known Clegg for ten years, was thrilled by her student’s success at Michigan Miss Amazing.
“It’s such an awesome accomplishment,” said Rudd. “I jumped up and down when she told me she won. I’m not surprised either. Amy is super positive. She’s determined, and open to trying new things. I thought it was really great that she wanted to try this Miss Amazing Pageant and go and talk in front of all these people and talk about how she is a movie girl.”
Clegg has a wealth of knowledge about movies, and finds ways to share it.
“She’s really proud of all her knowledge that she has about movies,” said Rudd. “She’s always keeping the class aware of what movies are coming out and what they’re going to be about. She keeps us up to date with her countdowns.”
Miss Amazing isn’t the only extracurricular endeavor for Clegg, who also plays on the ROHS Unified Soccer and Basketball Teams and runs a “Rock Your Socks” campaign, where she donates socks to homeless shelters.
“I get to wear crazy socks that have pictures on them! We did that in school last year,” said Clegg. “It’s fun seeing everyone’s socks.”
Socks take on a symbolic significance because their shape reflects the extra chromosome of those with Down Syndrome. Clegg learned that socks are the number one requested item at homeless shelters. She then took action, collecting donations for those in her community to ensure all of a pair of socks.
October was designated Down Syndrome Awareness Month in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, and is intended to honor the capabilities of those with Down Syndrome.
“She works so hard, she’s so involved, she’s just a wonderful part of this community,” said Rudd. “There are so many positive qualities that Amy offers the world. We’re so lucky to have her here at this school. I can’t think of anyone better for it.”