Best Buddies in New Hampshire is so proud to congratulate our State Ambassador, Katelyn McKivergan, on being crowned the 2024 Miss Inspiration! We have always known that Katelyn is incredibly talented with so many beautiful qualities, but now she got the chance to share that with the judges and contestants at the Miss Inspiration Adaptive Pageant.

This pageant was facilitated by Emily Spencer (Miss Winnipesaukee) for her passion for inclusion, along with her cousin Grace Steward, who took part in the event for her senior project at Bedford High School. According to Spencer, the group learned production numbers, walking patterns, participated in pageant preparation, talent rehearsal, learned interview skills, met Miss New Hampshire titleholders, and competed in a live pageant with five judges including current Miss New Hampshire, Dr. Brooke Mills.

Katelyn’s win was no easy feat, with seven other girls showcasing their talents and abilities throughout the afternoon. Katelyn impressed the judges with her on-stage skills and her modern dance performance to “Stand by Me.” One of her longtime goals has been to get involved with modeling, and we know this success will help her talents skyrocket.

When asked if she was nervous before the event, Katelyn casually said, “No, I don’t get nervous on stage.” She was truly made for the spotlight and has been soaking it all in – and she deserves it! Spencer notes that competing in pageants helps individuals gain life skills, confidence, connections, exposure, and performance opportunities, which open up pathways to leadership and higher self-esteem. She said, “When girls and women with disabilities have confidence and realize what is possible, they become changemakers and speak up for themselves and others.”
Katelyn is thrilled to be crowned as Miss Inspiration and looks forward to planning her appearances around the community. We will surely be following along to see her shine in all aspects of her life.

We are incredibly proud of Katelyn and are so confident that this experience not only inspires others, but motivates Katelyn to live her best life, as she always tells us she wants to do. Congrats, Katelyn! We are so proud to have you as a State Ambassador.