Special Needs Services (SNS) of Ray County hosted a Par-Tea to celebrate 2024 Missouri Miss Amazing Haley Martin. A Lawson resident, Martin found out about the pageant through an internet search when looking for activities for women with developmental disabilities. After figuring out the application process for the pageant, the Lawson resident found donors to help with evening gowns and travel expenses. Miss Amazing works to ensure equal opportunities for girls with disabilities to build self-esteem, dismantle stereotypes and open pathways for personal growth, according to its website. Although Martin has limitations related to her movements, she was able to walk the runway and fully participate in all aspects of the pageant. Her speech at the Par-Tea was empathetic to anyone in the audience with disabilities and eye-opening to those who may not have thought about accessibility or inclusion. Martin repeatedly encouraged the audience and said she is a “resource queen” and can find…