At what age did you start doing gymnastics and pageants?

JNM: It was different for each activity.  I used to do activities with my family at the YMCA when I  was really little.  I tried everything but didn’t like anything except for gymnastics.  However, it was a mommy and me class and I wanted to use the real equipment.  One day, around age 8, I asked my mom if I could take a real gymnastics class.  She found a Groupon and I took my first rec class.  It was only about a year later before I had made it through preteam and then joined the competition team.

I did my first pageant in 2019.  A friend said I should try the local Cinderella pageant.  I tried it and ended up coming in as first runner up in the Miniature Miss Division.  A couple of weeks later, I did a pageant called All American Girl and won the state title.  I competed that summer at Nationals and placed as first runner up.  I didn’t really know anything about pageants so I was shocked and thrilled.  

What’s your favorite tumbling pass that you like to do?

JNM: I am really that fond of floor at the moment.  I think I will like it more when I get to the optional level.  If I had to pick, I would say front tuck, front tuck.

How do you spread the love?

JNM: Both of my siblings are Autistic which made me a born ally.   I am very active with my pageant platform and awareness group called “Athletes Supporting Autism.”  I have spent the last five years giving bullying prevention presentations in elementary and middle schools in my area.  I include information about respecting diversity and statistics about the higher prevalence of bullying within the special needs populations.  Last year, I organized a sensory tool drive and was able to provide sensory boxes to classrooms in my area that did not have them.  I am looking forward to doing this again in the future.  I want everyone to know that they can be an ally for someone who needs it.

Do you support any organizations or charities?

JNM: Yes, I love volunteering with the Special Olympics and Best Buddies organizations.  I also enjoy my time giving presentations in schools to teach students how to prevent bullying and what to do when it happens.

Do you know any facts about autism?

JNM: Prevalence data varies from place to place worldwide.  What the data suggests is that the prevalence rates in all geographical areas are increasing.  Data from the National Bullying Prevention Center (Pacer.org) indicates that 1 out of 5 students are bullied but 3 out of 5 students with disabilities are bullied.  I love to support and amplify the voices of Autistic individuals so I try to share their perspectives and experiences to grow understanding and acceptance.  

Would you like to share your social media platforms with us?

JNM: I would love to grow my community on social media.  I am active on instagram on my personal account @thejiannanoelle 

You can also follow my year of service in my current title @misswajrhighschoolamerica

I appreciate all of your support.