Hoffpauir competes at Ms. Wheelchair America 2015
Crowley native Leah Hoffpauir, Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana 2014, recently competed in the Ms. Wheelchair 2015 pageant for the crown, title and an advocate nationwide.
Hoffpauir was one of 28 contestants in this year’s pageant.
Outside of the pageant, the contestants also took part in Speech Night and other activities in Long Beach.
Speech Night was held at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center on the night of Friday, Aug. 8. Contestants enjoyed tapas and dessert prior to their speeches. Each contestant spoke about themselves, the road that led them to Ms. Wheelchair America 2015 and their platforms as advocates for 2015. Each contestant willed on the others as emotions ran high throughout the night.
The hotel and meeting center hosted the pageant the following night, Saturday, Aug. 9. Russ Marchand served as master of ceremonies for the evening. During the pageant, several other awards were presented, including the Nikki Ard Award, given to a contestant who excels in the fine arts, which went to Hoffpauir. Hoffpauir will be starting the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she will study visual arts, in the fall. She already holds an associate’s degree in fine arts from Louisiana State University at Eunice. The Ard award is named after the 2001 Ms. Wheelchair America.
Samantha Schroth, Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2014, was chosen as Ms. Wheelchair America 2015 by the judges Saturday night. Judging for the pageant was a bit more detailed than a stereotypical pageant. The Ms. Wheelchair America judging is based upon criteria established by the national committee of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program.
Criteria include the following:
• Accomplishments: Personal achievements and accomplishments since disability in the areas of academic, vocational and personal and adjustment to disability.
• Community skills: The ability to deal with media, peers, civic groups, etc.; public relation skills, advocacy for persons with disabilities; and self-confidence, motivation, initiative and creativity.
• Self-perception and projection: Poise and demeanor and approrpriate attire and personal presentation.