Andrea Chandler of Kalispell was crowned queen in the teen division at the National Miss Amazing pageant late last month. 

Chandler returned home with the crown after a whirlwind week at the National Miss Amazing Summit held July 26-28 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. 

“The experience was just incredible. It was a dream come true,” Chandler said. “Even if I hadn’t won, I loved the experience. Every step of the way.” 

During the crowning — “I was crying the whole time,” she said.

Chandler advanced to the national level in March when she was crowned at the state level.  

Miss Amazing is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to empower girls and women with disabilities to advocate for themselves and exercise autonomy, according to missamazing.org. The pageant is part of the organization’s Amplify program and serves as a personal development opportunity for participants to build confidence and self-esteem while making new friends and trying things that might be outside their comfort zone. 

Physically getting through the schedule of events was not far from Chandler’s mind. Chandler has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, Raynaud's syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome, which can cause a variety of symptoms such as hypermobility, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, nausea, pain, numbness, trouble concentrating and extreme exhaustion that can worsen after physical and mental activity. There are no known cures. 

“I was so grateful to push through despite that,” Chandler said, noting that she had to be careful about a high heart rate with all the excitement. 

For the pageant, contestants in three age divisions were asked to introduce themselves to the audience by sharing their interests, strengths and ambitions; participated in one-on-one interviews; and showcased a “passion presentation” or performance.  

“The theme for this year’s national summit was ‘We are unstoppable.’ That’s one thing I really love about it,” Chandler said. 

For her passion presentation, Chandler played a French horn solo, “Chorale” from “Jupiter” by Gustav Holst, which earned her superior ratings at the Montana State Music Festival. 

“My personal favorite part of the pageant was the evening gown wear,” she said, donning a sparkly ball gown with a full skirt. 

The pageant was a family affair for the Chandlers. 

One memorable moment was having her dad Kyle as her “right-hand man.” Each contestant has a right-hand man to escort them onstage.  

“I loved having my dad right by my side,” she said. 

She noted that participants were also paired with buddies who provided support and assistance throughout the event, giving a shoutout to her friend Madeline Wilcox. 

“She was a champ, helping me carry things, helping me put on my dress, whatever I needed help with she was there,” Chandler said. 

“For the rest of my support group, my mom [Shelly] was also with me every step of the way and did my hair and makeup,” she said. 

Outside of the pageant, there were dances, pajama parties, presentations and a gala event and dinner. 

“They truly made every girl there feel like a princess … show the world what we are passionate about,” she said. 

Chandler is looking forward to using her new platform to raise awareness about people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. 

“I really want to be a voice for others that don’t really have the platform or the confidence to do it themselves,” she said. 

She welcomes the invitation to participate in events to spread the Miss Amazing message of confidence and opportunity for people with disabilities. 

“I’m willing to do it all and share with more girls like me that they are loved and deserve to shine,” Chandler said.  

For more information about Miss Amazing visit missamazing.org. To learn more about becoming a participant or volunteer with the Montana chapter call 208-994-1761 or email brittani.roe@missamazing.org. 

Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com. 

    Andrea Chandler of Kalispell is crowned queen in the teen division of the 2024 National Miss Amazing pageant at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. The pageant was part of a summit for girls and women with disabilities held July 26-28 and is part of the Miss Amazing Amplify program. (Courtesy photo)