Ms. Blake Edwards

Ms. Blake Edwards, age 34, is the wonderful daughter of Rev. Dr. Donita Edwards and Tony Smith. She was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder affecting 1 in 700 babies born. She has struggled with mobility and balance throughout the years, however, her passion is to dance and perform in musical theater and fashion shows. Her gracefulness on stage, energetic personality, and dazzling smile win the audiences' hearts. Blake has competed in 12 pageants since being crowned as the first-ever Miss Abilities Chesapeake in 2015. She co-authored "Hi. My name is Blake Edwards," a book that highlights living with a disability. She performs liturgical dance, volunteers with the Youth Ministry at Mount Chesapeake, and also reads children's bedtime stories online. For her community service and passion for the arts, Blake has received several grants including the Doug Floutie Jr. / Dick & Judy Hoyt Grant (2023), Varghese Summersett Scholarship (2024), Adams & Giannou Community Engagement Scholarship (2024), Brandon Gruber Scholarship (2024), and NDSS & Voya Care Entrepreneurial Grant (2024), to name a few. December 13, 2024, she became the Program Coordinator for the Blake Edwards Arts Foundation (501c3). In April 2025, she will launch an Arts Academy for children aged 4 to 7 of all abilities to express themselves through movement, arts activities, and good health. The Blake Edwards Arts Foundation - More Information Click Here
Blake and her buddy, Layne - October 8, 2022
		Ms. Blake - Nighttime Adventures A BEDTIME FOR BEAR Story.
"Amazing" Chesapeake woman receives a surprise gift		Miss Blake VA Miss Amazing Pageant 2022 October 8th 2022 Surrounded by glitz and glamour, family and friends, buddies, and other contestants, Blake sashays across the stage as if she owns it. Putting aside any nervousness, she gives her all at every event. She makes pageantry look easy, but there is definitely a lot of work that goes into preparing.

To read more about Ms. Blake's pageant journey, see the following articles:

Ms. Blake have a message
https://www.facebook.com/reel/966332902000231


Yes, You Can Grant Recipient 2023
Grant Article

National Down Syndrome Society Announcements October 2024
National Down Syndrome Society Article

NDSS Grant Website

Facebook Link
Ms. Blake - Facebook




Virginian Pilot on April 25, 2015
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Virginian Pilot newspaper on May 5, 2017
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New Journal and Guide on November 30, 2017
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Virginian Pilot newspaper on January 25, 2018
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The Winchester Star on March 5, 2018
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2021 Miss Amazing Nationals
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WTKR Local news on Dec 4, 2022
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