March 18, 2024

Heston to compete at America's Super Pageant in Montana

There’s more to a pageant than just the title and crown. It’s about the message and platform behind it.

From July 29 to July 31, Michelle Heston will compete in the America's Super Pageant in the Mrs. category. This will be her fourth time competing in the pageant, which will be held in Missoula, Montana.

The pageant's national platform is safety belt use and awareness.

“We do need to have everybody buckled in the car. Their safety matters," Heston said. "There’s just so many things that can happen that you don’t even think could hurt you.”

Loved ones lost

The America's Super Teen Miss/Ms./Mrs. competition is directed by Janet Bierer and is held in memory of her daughter, Allanya DaRay Thorning, who died July 18, 2010.

Heston has also lost family members in car accidents, and had they been wearing their seat belts, they would likely still be alive.

“We’re all affected by the dangers of driving and people not being responsible in their own cars," she said.

Personal platform

Along with seat belt and car safety, Heston is also promoting her own platform, which is drug abuse.

She started the Pink Pinky Promise, and her foundation will help raise money for local charities. She said she’s currently working with Restoration Ranch in Osceola.

Members of Heston's family have struggled with addiction issues, and the color pink comes from their favorite colors.

"I’ve always worked with kids who have had troubles and issues, but when it comes to your own home, it hits a little different," she said.

Heston believes the two platforms of addiction and seat belt safety also coincide with each other. If a person is an impaired driver, whether it be from alcohol or drugs, he or she is a danger on the road and or to the people in the vehicle.

“I’m here to help," she said. "I want to help people live a more fruitful, full life.”