Hanover Community Support Services (HCSS) is now preparing to present the seventh annual Miss and Junior Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant, sponsored by A1 Asphalt Paving and Sealing, LLC. The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, in the auditorium of Mechanicsville High School. The pageant will feature 14 Miss contestants and seven Junior Miss contestants from Hanover and the surrounding areas, all of whom have a developmental disability. The Miss contestants will compete for the title in a series of four areas of competition: Interview, Casual Wear, Talent and Evening Gown. During the day, the Junior Miss contestants will attend a tea party with princesses in addition to competing in the pageant that evening. The winner will receive a bouquet of roses from King William Florist, a crown and sash, along with many other gifts from the community such as a portrait package sponsored by Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry.
Miss Hanover Abilities 2024, Ashley d’Evegnèe, and Junior Miss, Cricket Clarke, have had a memorable reign representing the community. Ashley made appearances at events like Night to Shine RVA, the Jacob’s Chance Talent Show and read to classes at Washington Henry Elementary School. She even spoke at the HCSS Employment Seminar, encouraging businesses to employ individuals with special needs! Cricket was honored with throwing out the first pitch at a Flying Squirrels game and was the Grand Marshal of the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. Additionally, both girls were special guests at the Hanover County Spirit of Volunteerism Awards and the A Better Understanding Christmas Party.
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The event will not only shine a spotlight on these amazing young women but will also serve as a fundraiser for Hanover Community Support Services. HCSS is a local non-profit that provides general and respite support to Hanover County residents who have a developmental disability, substance use disorder or mental health issues. This year proceeds from the pageant will go towards continued relationships and funding opportunities with organizations such as the Hanover CSB, YoungLife Capernaum and Wings of Hope. Proceeds from the event this year will also go to fund the organizations continuing sensory bag project and their annual Employment Seminar.
“Each year our event continues to get bigger and better,” said Ashley White, President of HCSS. “We are proud to be able to provide such a special experience to the young ladies competing. I’m thankful to the community for always supporting the event. We are looking forward to meeting our new winners and hope to have a large crowd join us.”
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 (general admission). A link for online ticket sales is available on the Hanover Community Support Services website (www.hcss-inc.org) or on their Facebook page.
