Crowning Cordelia: Celebrating Kindness, Confidence & Ability in Disability

Deaf and hard-of-hearing children in grades 1-8 are invited to join Miss South Carolina High School America, Kallyn Long, for a joyful, confidence-boosting mock pageant where every participant shines! This one-day event is specially designed for children in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. With the help of experienced pageant queens, each child will learn how to walk the runway, pose with confidence, and shine on stage. The program includes a crown for every participant, makeup session, pageant walk, and stage presence training, gown try-ons, and group photo opportunities. The last 30 minutes of each session will feature a “Royal Runway Walk” showcase for parents/guardians. As a special bonus, copies of Kallyn’s book Cordelia and Me, sharing the message “There’s ability in every disability,” will also be available for purchase.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Camp Wonderhands, which is a free, weeklong overnight summer camp at Camp Cole in South Carolina for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

About Your Host:

Kallyn Long, Miss South Carolina High School America, is an ambassador for MUSC and a proud volunteer for the hearing-impaired and deaf community. Three years ago, she lost the hearing in her left ear and received a cochlear implant, which she lovingly named Cordelia. She goes everywhere with her, and together they share the message that there’s ability in every disability.

She has had the privilege of giving book readings and speeches at Camp Wonder Hands, where she hopes to be a counselor next summer. Her platform is rooted in kindness because you can’t rewind, and every moment is a chance to lift others up. Through events like this, she hopes to inspire kids to shine with confidence, embrace who they are, and believe in their own unique abilities.

Special Notes for Parents:

Please send your child with a peanut-free snack and water or juice. We will have a dedicated snack break. We want to ensure everyone has what they need for a comfortable and safe experience.

📅Schedule:

• Grades 1–4: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Grades 5–8: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

(Last 30 minutes of each session: “Royal Runway Walk” showcase for parents)

💖 What’s Included:

• Crown for every participant 👑

• Makeup artist 🎨

• Pageant walk and stage presence training 💃

• Gown try- ons (and bring your own favorite dresses) 👗

• Group photo opportunities 📸

🎁 Special Bonus:

Copies of my book Cordelia and Me, sharing the message “There’s ability in every disability” will be available for $10.00

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Host or Publisher City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department