Lauren Compere Promotes 2016 Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Pageant

Lauren Compere, who was selected Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Pageant winner in January 2015.

Mississippi College graduate Lauren Compere remains busy promoting the 2016 Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Pageant.

Recent interviews with Jackson television stations, numerous visits with disability organizations, and frequent posts on social media sites are happening non-stop for Compere, the Ms. Wheelchair America runner-up last summer in Iowa.

The 2016 Ms. Wheelchair Pageant is scheduled for March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Madison Central High School Auditorium. It’s a familiar spot for Compere, a graduate of Madison Central High. The inspiring Madison resident won the 2015 Ms. Mississippi Wheelchair competition.

“The Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi pageant is not a typical beauty competition,” says Compere. “Its focus is to crown the woman who will be the best communicator and advocate for individuals affected by disabilities.”

The deadline for pageant applicants statewide is February 17. Contestants must be 21 or older and should be full-time wheelchair users. Contestants must have lived in Mississippi for at least the previous six months. There’s a $65 entry fee.

“The ultimate goal is to spread the word and find women who are in wheelchairs to participate in this fantastic advocacy opportunity.”

Compere, 22, is a December 2015 Mississippi College psychology graduate who spent most of her life in a wheelchair. Lauren was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a three-month-old infant. Largely due to her strong faith, the energetic Christian woman turns obstacles into opportunities.

Lauren proved to be one of the chief reasons that reigning Ms. Wheelchair America Dr. Alette Coble-Temple, a California professor, visited Mississippi College and MC School of Law last fall. She’s serving as Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi pageant coordinator.

Proceeds from the 2016 pageant will benefit the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation. Tickets for the March 12 event cost $5.

Interested contestants can reach Lauren at mwmscoordinator@gmail.com, reach her via Facebook or call 601-832-8927.