Arkansas student uses virtual pageant to combat bullying

EL DORADO, Ark. (AP) — Kaitlyn Brazle strives to make a difference in South Arkansas.

The Parkers Chapel High School freshman was set on this path by her aunt who asked Brazle to do this as her dying wish.

“That is what drove me into taking pageants seriously,” Brazle told the El Dorado News-Times. “My goal was always to get to Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen.”

Since then, her goal has been to compete in Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen, which she will do tentatively in July or August as Miss Sweetheart of Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2020, a title she earned in the first virtual pageant for the organization.

Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the preliminary round where Brazle earned her latest title was held virtually and the Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen competition was pushed back.

“To have the title of a prelim, just to go be on that stage, it feels like I’m taking her with me,” she said. “It almost feels like she’s there with me and in my opinion she is there with me, and so is God. It’s just a really amazing opportunity to be there on stage with those other amazing girls, having the director and my support group.”

Brazle first competed in the Junior Miss Union County Fair pageant and won the title in 2016.

Since then, she has been the Junior Miss Parkers Chapel 2017, Teen Miss Union County and Teen Miss MusicFest 2018, and Miss Diamond National USA Jr. Teen 2019, among other titles.

When she competes for Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2020, she will be the first of the Red Group in each event — the competition will begin with an interview, talent showcase, lifestyle and wellness, and evening gown and on-stage interview.

Brazle said she’s always been passionate about pageants and has never thought of quitting, despite her...