South Florida community celebrates girls and teens with disabilities at 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant

Broward County, Florida – A standing ovation, handmade signs, proud families, and countless smiles filled the room as South Florida came together to celebrate young girls and teenagers with disabilities during the 13th annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant.

Held at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, the event brought together contestants, mentors, volunteers, community leaders, and supporters for a day that highlighted confidence, friendship, and belonging. More than a traditional pageant, the annual celebration has become a cherished tradition that gives participants the opportunity to shine, build self-esteem, and create lasting connections.

This year’s pageant concluded with the crowning of two new titleholders. Twelve-year-old Katie Lorenzo of Pembroke Pines was named Miss Arc Broward, while seven-year-old Samantha Bellot of Pompano Beach earned the title of Little Miss Arc Broward.

Both winners captured the audience’s attention with memorable performances. Lorenzo showcased her vocal abilities by performing a song from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” while Bellot energized the crowd with a lively dance routine performed alongside her older brother.

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Additional honors were also presented during the event. Seven-year-old Rebecca Baken of Davie received the People’s Choice Award, recognizing the strong support she earned from the community. Meanwhile, eight-year-old Kiely Vassar of Fort Lauderdale was recognized as the pageant’s top fundraiser.

For many attendees, however, the day was about far more than awards or crowns. The pageant represented an opportunity to celebrate the unique talents and personalities of every participant while reinforcing a message of inclusion that has long been central to Arc Broward’s mission.

“Every year, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant reminds us of the immense power of belonging that many of us take for granted,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward president and CEO. “In addition to empowering girls and teens with disabilities, the pageant serves as an opportunity for community members – from our teen ambassadors to corporate sponsors and the public – to take an active role in creating that sense of belonging that is critical to our mission at Arc Broward. Our hope is that the audience carries this mission forward, beyond the pageant, into their daily professional and personal lives.”

The pageant is not a one-day event. Participants spend months preparing through activities designed to encourage personal growth, social interaction, and confidence-building. Throughout the season, contestants work closely with teen ambassadors who serve as mentors and friends, helping create an atmosphere where every girl feels welcomed and supported.

One of the familiar faces guiding the celebration this year was Pageant Co-Chair and Emcee Natalie Glusman. As contestants stepped onto the stage for personality and interview segments, Glusman introduced each participant and helped create a warm, encouraging environment.

“It has been my honor to serve as co-chair of this year’s pageant again with my good friend Candace Kelley,” said Glusman. “Our contestants are brave and courageous, and they rocked this stage today…this pageant is truly a special and life-changing experience. It is so much more than what you saw on the stage today. It’s a sisterhood that will stay with the girls and their families long past the pageant.”

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That sense of sisterhood was visible throughout the event. Contestants cheered for one another, families celebrated every performance, and mentors proudly watched the girls they had supported throughout the season.

Adding to the excitement were appearances by last year’s titleholders, Gianna Gallagher and Emily Garcia, who returned to the stage for special cameo moments. Their presence served as a reminder that participation in the pageant often creates relationships and memories that continue long after the crowns are awarded.

Teen ambassadors also took the spotlight during the program. Representing more than a dozen local high schools and sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System, the ambassadors shared personal stories about mentoring contestants and spoke about the meaningful friendships they developed throughout the experience.

Their reflections highlighted one of the event’s most important outcomes: creating connections that transcend differences and build stronger communities.

The support extended well beyond the contestants and ambassadors. Throughout the theater, groups of friends, co-workers, family members, and student organizations filled the audience with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps from Pompano Beach High School joined Florida Girls Give Back, the Girl Scouts, and numerous community groups in forming spirited cheer squads. Many arrived carrying colorful handmade signs created specifically for individual contestants, ensuring every participant felt celebrated as she stepped onto the stage.

Contestants traveled from communities across Broward and Palm Beach counties to participate in this year’s pageant. The diverse group represented a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and talents, united by a shared opportunity to showcase their personalities and abilities before an enthusiastic audience.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee worked throughout the year to organize the event. Co-chairs Natalie Glusman and Candace Kelley led a team of volunteers whose efforts helped transform months of planning into a successful and memorable celebration.

A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the contestants, bringing together professionals from healthcare, media, nonprofit organizations, business, fashion, and community leadership. Their role extended beyond selecting winners, as they witnessed firsthand the confidence and growth displayed by every participant.

The event also received support from a broad network of sponsors representing industries ranging from healthcare and banking to retail, law, construction, and media. Their contributions help make the pageant possible while supporting the broader mission of Arc Broward.

Proceeds from the Miss Arc Broward Pageant directly benefit Arc Broward’s programs serving individuals with disabilities throughout Broward County. The organization currently operates 24 programs that provide support to people across all stages of life, from preschool-age children to adults and seniors.

For seven decades, Arc Broward has played a significant role in helping individuals with disabilities access opportunities, resources, and services that allow them to thrive. In 2026, the organization is marking its 70th anniversary, celebrating a long history of empowering individuals and families throughout South Florida.

As the final applause echoed through The Parker and families gathered for photographs, hugs, and celebrations, the lasting impact of the event was clear. The pageant was not simply about crowns or titles. It was about creating a space where every participant could feel seen, valued, and supported.

For the contestants, the memories and friendships formed throughout the journey may endure for years to come. For the audience members who filled the theater with encouragement and applause, the event served as a powerful reminder that inclusion begins with something simple but meaningful: making sure everyone feels they belong.

That message remained at the heart of the 2026 Miss Arc Broward Pageant—a celebration of courage, community, and the remarkable potential of every girl who stepped onto the stage.