If you look through
our prior PageantDiva of The Month honorees all have overcome adversity
to achieve their goals, whether in pageantry or the real world. Our
first Diva of The Month 2004 honoree is someone who is still overcoming
adversity and achieving and fighting a far bigger battle then for a
tiara. Yet she has a long way before achieving her goal, tragically that
would be to lead a normal life. From adversity arises inspiration, and
nobody in pageantry today is more inspirational than Miss Florida
America 2003, Shauna Pender. For inspiring everyone with your strength
and determination, Ms. Pender you’re our February Diva of The Month.
Mayor
Rick Baker presents the key to the city to Miss St. Petersburg,
the
reigning Miss Florida, Shauna Pender.
In case you do not
know the story, it is truly amazing that she is still among us. Ms.
Pender from St. Petersburg, Florida was a three time first runner-up in
her state's Miss America pageant, including this past season. She has
also been seen on ABC’s short-lived “All American Girl”. The
vocalist inherited the title after a former Diva of The Month Erica
Dunlap was crowned Miss America. A life long dream to be Miss Florida
America, Ms. Pender left a promising career in New York for the chance
to represent her state, however briefly. She truly was having the time
of her life making appearances and raising awareness of her platform.
Ms. Pender was truly happy.
Ms.
Pender (r) with Miss Florida USA at apperance in Hollywood, FL.
Then one tragic
November afternoon during Friday rush hour in Miami, on her way to an
official appearance, a chain of accidents lead to an eighteen-wheel
truck literally rolling over the car Ms. Pender was a passenger in. The
“jaws of life” rescued her from the town car with injuries so severe
that she spent two months in intensive care. Including a severed arm and
crushed chest and vocal chords, she now wears a long scar just
underneath her throat. After multiple surgeries Ms. Pender now can only
speak in a whisper, often using hand signs. Even though she is still at
in the hospital everyday is progress and one day YOU WILL see Ms. Pender
resume her promising career.
Aerial
views from Miami News Station.
From
Inside Edition February 10th Story.
Fl
orida Highway Patrol officers and highway workers
survey
the scene of the three-vehicle accident.
Ironically her
platform was to empower the downtrodden, now luckily she has an
outstanding support system representing Ms. Pender and driving her to
win this battle. Not unlike the support it took to reach her goals in
pageantry and beyond she will one day speak and inspire with her stories
of success. It is this spark in Ms. Pender that made her special and
will lead her to once again achieving her goals. It is my pleasure to
name our first PageantDiva of The Month to a young woman who is truly
inspirational, congratulations Shauna Pender we at PageantDiva are your
biggest fans.
The Diva’s
Editor’s
Note:
In the past year
I have been fortunate enough to meet and speak to Ms. Pender during
her appearances throughout Florida. She is truly a gracious young
woman who is remarkably talented and inspirational. Her fight is
nowhere near over, if you have seen the recent national television
reports on Ms. Pender then you will know she is very weak and fragile.
Many months and year’s of therapy will be needed to overcome a
tragic few seconds. But yes you can help in her recovery with prayers
and a simple measure. Please feel free to email your well wishes and
notes of encouragement to MissFlorida2003@aol.com,
the pageant family has to support our own in times of need!
Grant
Gravitt, Jr.
Publisher
