By Brogan Hennesy
It is simple acts of kindness that make an impact in the world. Even a smile can spread positivity.
Ten-year old Mackenzie Bonham is an example of how compassion and positivity goes a long way, even throughout the nation. The Lincoln Trail student was crowned Little Miss Fisher Fair Queen in 2018, and is the 2019-2020 Little Miss of Illinois.
Mackenzie is now one of the Top 5 candidates in the National American Pageant.
“I was excited and shocked when I heard the news,” says Mackenzie. “I am happy to continue my journey, but I’m nervous at the same time.”
When Mackenzie knew she wanted to compete in Pageants and learned the guidelines they follow, she took the step towards helping her community.
“I heard that the American Pageants appoints title holders based on their grades and community involvement,” Mackenzie says. “I always worked really hard to get good grades, and I already volunteer with a variety of organizations, with Shriner’s Children’s Hospital as my platform.”
Mackenzie has been very active at Shriner’s, and even started a fundraiser to help raise money for the hospital last year. She single handedly designed and paid for all the bracelets, and used them to raise money and spread awareness for the Hospital.
Her goal was to sell bracelets to all 50 states. On December 14, 2019, Mackenzie presented the Shiner’s hospital with $3386.14.
It wasn’t long after Mackenzie got involved in pageants that she learned that she was doing much more than just competing for a title.
“American Pageants mission is ‘to encourage and motivate young women to reach their full potential through recognition of; scholastic record, service and achievement to school and community, personal development, general awareness, personality projection and communication skills,’” says Mackenzie.
To Mackenzie, pageants are about spreading positivity and helping others.
“I want to change the world by helping others and encouraging people to help as well.” Mackenzie says.
Mackenzie has been using her state title to encourage others to make the world a better place. Through social media, Mackenzie provides updates on how she is giving to the world. Her instagram page has gained over 1,500 followers, and she even has her own business email address.
Mackenzie believes that her title gives her a power to spread a message: to be more than just yourself. As a child, Mackenzie hopes to inspire younger generations to go out of their way to lend a helping hand to those who need it.
With the hashtag #queensisters, Mackenzie has been able to partner with other title holders to figure out how to make impacts on various communities. She often posts with her queen sisters on her Facebook page.
Mackenzie’s greatest inspiration in her life is her great-grandfather Robert, who flew a B-24 aircraft in 36 missions in World War II. Mackenzie strives to be a hero like Robert, and never gives up.
During the week of Thanksgiving, Mackenzie will travel to Atlanta, Ga. to the Little Miss of America Pageant. The crowning of all new national title Holders will be announced on Saturday, November 28. The ceremony will be televised.
If Mackenzie were to win the National title of Little Miss of America, her goal would be to continue her spread of awareness on a larger scale.
