Distinguished Finalist

Jordan Somer, 16, of Papillion, Neb., a junior at Central High School in Omaha, founded an annual "Miss Amazing Pageant" for disabled girls and women, and has donated more than $15,000 from ticket and auction sales to charities over the past three years. "There are no pageants for girls and women with disabilities," explained Jordan, who was Nebraska's Junior Teen Queen in the National American Miss pageant in 2007, and has been an active volunteer with Special Olympics. "They aspire to be queens just like any other girl." Jordan secured a venue, contacted organizations that work with the disabled to find contestants, and obtained donated trophies and medals for prizes. She created a program, wrote a script for the show, coordinated a silent auction, planned a reception and luncheon, and supervised details such as flowers, tickets, and crowns. Jordan recruited classmates and other teens in her community to assist at the event. The revenue raised has gone to Ronald McDonald House, The Salvation Army, and local charities. In addition, more than 500 pounds of canned food - collected as pageant entry fees - have been donated to feed the hungry. "I continue to be touched by the participants each year," said Jordan. "I am so proud of what they accomplish."