Ms. Blake Edwards

Ms. Blake Edwards, age 33, is the wonderful daughter of Rev. Dr. Donita Edwards and Tony Smith. She was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder affecting 1 in 700 babies born. She has struggled with mobility and balance throughout the years, however, her passion is to dance and perform in musical theater and fashion shows. Her gracefulness on stage, energetic personality, and dazzling smile win the audiences' hearts. Her goal is to own an Arts Academy where she can help children with disabilities be included in dance, modeling, and acting. Blake has participated in 11 pageants since being crowned as the first-ever Miss Abilities Chesapeake in 2015. She looks forward to representing the state of VA at the National Miss Amazing Pageant in July 2023. She currently holds the title of 2023 VA Miss Amazing Sr. Miss Queen. She co-authored a book with her mom about living with a disability ("Hi. My name is Blake Edwards). She continues to write, volunteers with the Youth Ministry at her church, and also reads online bedtime stories to children with the XIXI Now Success Academy. Blake is a 2023 recipient of the Doug Floutie, Jr. / Dick & Judy Hoyt Foundations Grant.
Blake and her buddy, Layne - October 8, 2022
		Ms. Blake - Nighttime Adventures A BEDTIME FOR BEAR Story.
"Amazing" Chesapeake woman receives a surprise gift		Miss Blake VA Miss Amazing Pageant 2022 October 8th 2022 Surrounded by glitz and glamour, family and friends, buddies, and other contestants, Blake sashays across the stage as if she owns it. Putting aside any nervousness, she gives her all at every event. She makes pageantry look easy, but there is definitely a lot of work that goes into preparing.

To read more about Ms. Blake's pageant journey, see the following articles:

Virginian Pilot on April 25, 2015
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Virginian Pilot newspaper on May 5, 2017
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New Journal and Guide on November 30, 2017
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Virginian Pilot newspaper on January 25, 2018
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The Winchester Star on March 5, 2018
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2021 Miss Amazing Nationals
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WTKR Local news on Dec 4, 2022
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