Kansas Miss Amazing celebrated the 8th annual Amplify event Saturday

The Kansas Amplify event is a state competition for girls ages 5 and up with disabilities. Their mission is to build leadership and self-advocacy skills. Providing girls from across the state with the opportunity to build their self-esteem.

The participants went through three phases of competition, including an interview, an introduction, and their passions.

Passions are a way for girls to showcase their skills and hobbies on stage. Sara Pietig, who took home the title of Miss Kansas Amazing senior representative for 2027, shared with KVOE what her passion is.

Pietig, who has Mosaic Down syndrome, is no stranger to the Kansas Miss Amazing stage. Pietig was the Miss representative in 2022. Pietig shares that she is proud of her disability and what she can do.

The day would not go on without the Buddy program. The buddy program is made for the participants to have a friend and a support person throughout the day. Katelyn Andrist, who is the special Event Coordinator for Special Olympics Kansas, was a buddy at the event. Andrist shared why being a buddy was special to her in connection with her job.

Andrist also stated that the participants are much more than their disability and they have so much to bring to the table.

Andrist is no stranger to the pageant circuit herself. Andrist has competed in the Miss Kansas competition, which is the official state preliminary to the national Miss America pageant. Andrist stated the Miss Amazing event was eye-opening to her.

The winners from the event will go on to represent Kansas at the 2027 National Miss Amazing event in Chicago.