Ruby Adamson has stepped out on the catwalk in the name of charity many times.
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This year the Cessnock girl will head off to her biggest pageant to date – the Mrs, Miss And Miss Teen International competition in Florida, USA.
Ruby, 15, was selected out of 200 contestants to represent Australia in the teen section at the pageant in July.
Miss Teen International was developed 27 years ago to promote the accomplishments of teens around the world, with a focus on charity, fitness and fashion.
“The Mrs, Miss And Miss Teen International pageant isn’t all about beauty; it’s about inspiring people to work with others to become a positive role model to their peers and their community,” Ruby said.
“Every contestant has the opportunity to select a platform close to their heart and spends the year promoting that cause.
“The platform I have chosen is Down syndrome and I am also very passionate about promoting a positive message of self-esteem and self-confidence in teens.”
Ruby’s inspiration is her five-year-old brother Mack, who was born with Down syndrome and a related congenital heart defect.
“He has been through a lot in his life so far but this has given me the opportunity to meet many people with Down syndrome,” she said.
“I am always impressed at how proud people with Down syndrome are of themselves and their achievements and I feel we could all learn a lot about success, acceptance and happiness if we took a leaf out of their book.”
Ruby is available to do talks in primary schools throughout 2015 to share her message and encourage girls and boys to “accept everyone for who they are”.
She also has several events planned before heading to Florida with her “sisters of the sash” – Piper O’Neill (Mrs) and Deedee Zibara (Miss), including the Mrs, Miss and Miss Teen Australia International 2015 official crowning and fundraiser on February 27.
Ruby will hold a fundraiser at Café on Cooper this coming Tuesday (January 27), with raffles and competitions on the day.
She is looking for more local businesses to sponsor her; contact Ruby via email rubymadamson0@gmail.com or Facebook here if you can help.