Teens And Girls With Disabilities Gain Friendships, Confidence While Preparing For 13th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant This May

“The Miss Arc Broward Pageant is so much more than a competition. For contestants, it is a culmination of four months of creating meaningful connections and feeling a true sense of belonging,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward President and CEO. “The events leading up to the pageant help build confidence, foster self-expression and present a platform where girls and young women with disabilities can discover their strengths in an environment that celebrates who they are.”

The contestants are from across Broward and Palm Beach counties and range in age from 6 to 17 years old:

Coral Springs / Tamarac

Hailey Acevedo, 17, Coral Springs

Kori Armstrong, 12, Tamarac

Jordyn Butler, 6, Coral Springs

Azariah Clarke, 7, Tamarac

Anna Forde, 6, Coral Springs

Weston / Davie

Cassandra Baken, 6, Davie

Rebecca Baken, 7, Davie

Daniela Maldonado-Pineda, 17, Weston

Hollywood / Fort Lauderdale

Halia Allen, 15, Hollywood

Kiely Vassar, 8, Fort Lauderdale

Pembroke Pines / Miramar

Katie Lorenzo, 12, Pembroke Pines

Giana Patino, 13, Pembroke Pines

Nola Schader, 17, Miramar

Pompano Beach

Samantha Bellot, 7

Jupiter / West Palm Beach

Paritta Darncharnjitt, 17, West Palm Beach

Nevaeh Myers, 17, Jupiter

As part of the pageant experience, each contestant is paired with a teen ambassador from one of more than a dozen local high schools who serve as a mentor and cheerleader throughout the pageant journey. Together, contestants and ambassadors learn and practice the pageant opening number and participate in a series of social events and activities designed to build self-esteem.

Community members, school groups and organizations are invited to purchase tickets and form cheer squads to support participants from the audience. Students can earn community service hours for their participation. Anyone interested in forming a cheer squad can register at: https://arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/.

The Miss Arc Broward Pageant is sponsored by: UKG, Amazon, Memorial Healthcare System, Miller Construction, Right Management, Holland & Knight, Closets By Design, AvevoRx, Southstate Bank, Marsh McLennan, Parkshore Pharmacon, Universal Property, Publix, Florida Girls Giving Back, WFP Law P.A., Holman, Centennial Bank, Rebel Motor Company, Banesco, AK Building Services, Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, TZMO USA, Inc., Disability Advocates Group, Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 1898, City & Shore Magazine, Hubbard Radio, Modern Luxury, The Pelican, Diario Las Americas, and Broward Health.

Individual tickets are $22.13 and may be purchased online at: https://arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/. Or call: (954) 746-9400. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18 and may be purchased by calling: (954) 660-6307 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Or online at: https://www.browardcenter.org/group-contact-form. The Parker is located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304.

About Arc Broward

In 2026, Arc Broward proudly celebrates 70 years as a leading provider of services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive. Today, Arc Broward is focused on opening doors, creating pathways and expanding opportunities through 24 programs at 16 locations across Broward County, serving individuals with disabilities from preschool children to adults and seniors. Its two social enterprises, Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, help people with disabilities and various employment barriers gain education, experience and employment. For more information about Arc Broward, visit: https://arcbroward.com. Or call: (954) 746-9400. Follow Arc Broward on Social Media: @arcbroward.

(Photos courtesy of Arc Broward)

(Individual headshots courtesy of Heather Coronel Photography)