Jamie Clendening, the smiling face that everyone encounters as they step inside the Big Spring Senior Center, is on top of the world right now. The reigning Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania will head to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in just a few short days to compete in the Ms. Wheelchair America competition. To say that she is ecstatic about the opportunity would be an understatement!
Speaking with Jamie earlier this week, I asked her about the competition. The excitement in her voice and the smile on her face as she explained the details of the trip and itinerary of the competition was all I needed to see and hear to know she was ready!
“I leave this Sunday and will be there until next Sunday,” she stated. “I can’t wait for the experience, and the opportunity to advocate for myself and others who have disabilities and are confined to a wheelchair. It’s going to be so much fun, and a wonderful opportunity that I am so blessed to be able to be a part of.”
She said there are 20 other ladies in the competition, with everyone expected to arrive in Michigan on Sunday.
“Once we check in and get settled, our week begins on Monday morning with a full slate of activities and events each day from 8 am until 10 pm. The competition actually begins on Wednesday when each of the ladies will have their time with the judges for interviews. Because there are so many ladies in the competition for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America, the interview process will take two days. When the ladies aren’t interviewing with the judges, they will be attending workshops.
On Friday, each of the contestants will have an opportunity to present a two-minute speech reflecting their advocacy project. “We are expected to talk about what we are advocating for in our individual states, and what that looks like in some way, shape or form,” Clendening explained.
“I have been advocating for disability communities, disability rights and disability-related issues for years on my own. I decided to attend the competition in 2023, just to see what actually takes place and what all was involved. I was so impressed, and everyone there immediately assumed I was in the competition, but I wasn’t. It was amazing to share stories and get a better understanding of the program, which ultimately led me to get involved and be part of the competition last year.”
This year’s crowning event takes place on Friday evening, August 22nd. Jamie said both the speeches and crowning events will be aired on YouTube. The “People’s Choice Award” will be presented to the contestant with the most sponsorships for the event. A Queen’s Farewell Brunch will be held on Sunday morning before everyone heads back to their home state.
Of course, Jamie would love to bring the crown home to Pennsylvania, but no matter what happens, she feels like she’s already won.
“This journey has given me lifelong friendships, incredible mentors, meaningful connections, unforgettable memories, and opportunities to break down barriers I never imagined possible,” she explained. “I have learned that titles may last a year, but the impact we make can last a lifetime.
When I come home, my mission will not change. I will keep traveling, advocating, educating, and fighting for a more accessible and inclusive world. I will continue showing up for those whose voices need to be heard and working to create positive change wherever my wheels take me.”
With Sky, her brand-new accessible van, her new wheelchair (which she still hasn’t come up with the perfect name for), and an amazing community standing beside me, she truly believes that there is no limit to what comes next!