Bold statement: Inclusion changes lives, and Bentley Bennett’s all-abilities pageant is proving it one smile at a time. But here's where it gets controversial: should pageants be about showcasing talent and beauty, or should they fundamentally redefine what “competition” means for teens with special needs? This story explores a powerful answer to that question.
A high school sophomore from Carbon County is spearheading a transformative event aimed at making pageantry accessible to teens with special needs. Bentley Bennett, Miss Sego Lily’s Teen and a student at Carbon High School in Price, is organizing an all-abilities pageant in January to celebrate young people who often miss out on similar opportunities.
Bentley, 15, has competed in pageants for several years, but she’s noticed that not everyone can participate. She told KSL.com, “Some people don’t really get the opportunity to do that because of things they can’t control. I wanted to create a pageant that could give them the chance to compete and not feel lesser just because they can’t join in normal ones.”
The event, Crowning Confidence, aligns with Bentley’s service initiative of the same name: to help anyone—regardless of identity or life challenges—feel confident and valued. More than a competition, it aims to empower participants to embrace who they are and to celebrate personal strengths.
The pageant is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at the Price Civic Auditorium. Bentley emphasizes that the experience will mirror traditional pageants in spirit: participants will enjoy hair and makeup services, choose an outfit, and showcase a talent they’re excited to share.
This initiative is deeply personal for Bentley, who continues to battle confidence issues and the feeling of acceptance herself. “It’s still a battle I’m fighting,” she admitted.
Bentley’s mother, Nicole Bennett, expresses pride in her daughter’s commitment to helping others. “She’s been working hard to ensure other people feel the way they deserve to feel,” Nicole said. A highlight of Bentley’s leadership is the Castle Valley Center dance class she runs for students with special needs, where she volunteers and witnesses firsthand the joy of letting each participant shine.
Price city officials have shown support for the project. At a November 25 meeting, the Price City Council approved waiving the $250 auditorium-use fee and donated $250 to the event, a gesture Bentley says underscored the community’s readiness to rally around inclusive opportunities.
The goal is for Crowning Confidence to become an annual Carbon County tradition, broadening access to pageantry for more teens with special needs. Registration for participants is open until December 12, with talent submissions encouraged. Prospective participants can sign up via the provided form, and those interested in supporting the event through donations or sponsorships are invited to contribute.
For more details, Bentley’s official page offers additional information about Crowning Confidence and ongoing opportunities to get involved.
Controversial interpretation to consider: some readers may question whether beauty-centered pageants align with broader accessibility goals. Is there a way to preserve celebratory pageantry while ensuring the emphasis remains on empowerment, skills, and confidence rather than competition alone? If you have thoughts on balancing celebration with inclusivity, share them in the comments.
