FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (May 29, 2026) – Family, friends and community members filled the audience recently to cheer on South Florida teens and girls with disabilities as they took the stage for the 13th annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant, culminating a season of events designed to build confidence, foster friendships and promote belonging. 

While every contestant won the hearts of the audience and judges, two were crowned Miss Arc Broward and Little Miss Arc Broward: 12-year-old Katie Lorenzo of Pembroke Pines and 7-year-old Samantha Bellot of Pompano Beach. Lorenzo showcased her vocal talent with a song from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” while Bellot performed an energetic dance number alongside her older brother. Two special awards were announced: 7-year-old Rebecca Baken of Davie received the People’s Choice award, and 8-year-old Kiely Vassar of Fort Lauderdale received the top fundraiser award.

“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.”

Pageant Co-Chair and Emcee Natalie Glusman introduced and interacted with each contestant as they took the stage for the personality and interview rounds. 

“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.”

Last year’s Miss Arc Broward Gianna Gallagher and Little Miss Arc Broward Emily Garcia made cameo appearances on stage. Teen ambassadors addressed the audience, sharing their experiences mentoring contestants throughout the season and speaking movingly about the friendships they formed. 

Hailing from Broward and Palm Beach counties, this year’s pageant contestants were: Hailey Acevedo, 17, Coral Springs; Halia Allen, 15, Hollywood; Kori Armstrong, 12, Tamarac; Cassandra Baken, 6, Davie; Rebecca Baken, 7, Davie; Little Miss Arc Broward Samantha Bellot, 7, Pompano Beach; Jordyn Butler, 6, Coral Springs; Azariah Clarke, 7, Tamarac; Paritta Darncharnjitt, 17, West Palm Beach; Anna Forde, 6, Coral Springs; Miss Arc Broward Katie Lorenzo, 12, Pembroke Pines; Daniela Maldonado-Pineda, 17, Weston; Nevaeh Myers, 17, Jupiter; Giana Patino, 13, Pembroke Pines; Nola Schader, 17, Miramar and Kiely Vassar, 8, Fort Lauderdale.

Teen ambassadors, sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System and representing more than a dozen local high schools, included: Isabelle Bravo, Avery Burton, Stella Carlough, Alexa Clark, Marie DeFranco, Danielle Duensing, Brinley Dweck, Brielle Dweck, Mila Fernandez, Lexi Katzman, Vivian Kelley, Simone Kheifets, Amna Khwaja, Lea Kronberg, Olivia Macdonald, Kiley Martin, Kayla Martin, Avery Mescolotto, Julia Moore, Kiley Opsal, Gabriella Parisotti, Olivia Santi, Madison Shrouder, Aarya Singh, Samantha Spigelman and Alessandra Soto.

In addition, groups of friends, co-workers, families and student groups, including the JROTC from Pompano Beach High School, Florida Girls Give Back and the Girl Scouts, formed cheer squads and came out in a full show of support with handmade signs for each contestant.

The Miss Arc Pageant Committee, led by co-chairs Glusman and Kelley, included: Angela Amos, Ella Butler, Yas Gonzalez, Tanya Heller, Mercedes Leguizamon, Jenny Mackie, Jena McClure, Kristen Palanza, Libby Pedersen, David Perez, Jade Phan, Emily Schmitz, Kayla Schmitz Jennifer Stewart, Linnie Supall and Kim Vassar.

The pageant was served by a panel of judges: Diane Alonso, UKG Impact; Judi Califano, GL Staffing Services; Jenise Fernandez, WPLG; Yas Gonzalez, fashion designer; Maria Jacobo, HAPPE; Jena McClure, Miss Broward County assistant director; Caroline Milroy, Medtronic; Julie Price, Arc Broward; Angela Saccareccia, Closets By Design; and Linne Supall, WPLG.

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.  

Held at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, proceeds from the pageant support Arc Broward’s 24 programs across Broward County that serve individuals with disabilities, from preschool children to adults and seniors.

In 2026, Arc Broward celebrates 70 years as a leading provider of services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive. For more information about Arc Broward, visit arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400.

 

Show Other Stories