Inaugural Miss Inspiration pageant held in Orem

OREM — The women wore their best dresses and had their hair professionally done. For those who were able, they shared their talents. And they all did it for a chance to be crowned the first Miss Inspirational.

"I know they are excited. You could see it when they were clapping their hands and jumping for joy," said pageant organizer Becky Bingham with Turn Community Services, a nonprofit organization based out of Provo that provides programs and resources to those with disabilities.

Three official judges took notes and kept score, one of them a pageant winner herself, Mrs. Utah Ashalon Goodrich, who has a son with autism.

Heidi Bishop was crowned Miss Inspiration 2010.

Bishop, who has cerebral palsy, could hardly contain her happiness.

"I like it," she said with a big smile.

It was fitting that Bishop should win the inaugural pageant, because she is the reason this pageant was held.

"Last spring we took Heidi, coincidentally, to a beauty pageant in Spanish Fork, and we could see what wanting eyes she had at this pageant. And we could see they all should have an opportunity for it," said Bingham, and the planning began.

Twenty-five women participated and every one of the contestants won some kind of award. They were all presented with a sash, flowers and tiara.

The four other finalists were Jennifer Jolley, Kim Simpson, Marsha Gillies and Anna Farmer.

Turn Community Services serves 600 Utahns with mental and physical disabilities.

"I hope they learn the joy of being the grand people that they are, because they are so amazing," said Bingham.

e-mail: abutterfield@desnews.com