Vote for Kayla!

This year, Barbizon Instructor, Kayla Martell was crowned Miss Delaware. Now, she is going on to compete for the title of Miss America and needs your votes!

Much like Caressa Cameron, currently holding the crown as Miss America, Kayla was a Barbizon Instructor in Virginia. A native of Milford, Delaware; Kayla has dreamed of becoming Miss America since she was a child but at the age of ten she experienced what she thought may be a set back, she was diagnosed with alopecia areata and subsequently lost her hair. Persevering and believing in her self and inner beauty, Kayla competed four times in the Miss Delaware Pageant, three times competing with out her wig, before being chosen to wear the crown.

Focusing on children who she shares her experience with, Kayla's platform is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. She has received national attention for her platform and her experience, appearing on national television programs such as as CBS and such print publications as The Huffington Post.

To learn more about Kayla's upcoming Miss American Pageant and how to vote read the following letter from Kayla herself.

LETTER FROM KAYLA:

Hi Friends!

I just wanted to take a moment and update you on the return of an exciting tradition that will allow the American public to have a hand in the selection of the next Miss America! As we celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Miss America Pageant, and the pageant's return to network television, the organization is promising this year's broadcast to be unforgettable.

Based on the votes of America, four Miss America contestants will be selected as the "People's Choice" who will then compete as four of the Top 15 Finalists LIVE on ABC January 15th! The judges scores will decide eleven of the Top 15 Finalists! It would mean so much to me if you would take four minutes to vote each way, and spread the word to your friends, colleagues and family to do the same.


First, visit www.Facebook.com/MissAmericaOrganization Click "Video Contest" and scroll down to Delaware to watch and "LIKE" my video!

Second, visit www.MissAmerica.Org/VideoContest Scroll down to Delaware to watch and vote for my video!

Third, visit www.YouTube.com/MissAmericaOrg Click on Delaware and then Sign In (or create free account) to hit "LIKE" to cast your vote!

Lastly, please text "MADE" (Miss America Delaware) to 24470 as often as you can between now and January 13th! Votes are free!

I knew I wanted to be Miss America when I was three years old. But, when I began losing my hair at the age of ten, my parents and I were unsure if that dream could ever come true. And as Miss America I hope to show the world what the Miss America Organization truly represents, as an icon of inner and outer beauty. I get chills all over, each time I consider the impact I can have and think about all the young girls who have something that they feel may keep them from achieving their dreams. But I will be proof that even a ten year old girl,with no hair on her head, really can dream of becoming Miss America. My dreams already have come true. Now that is the American Dream.

Since my crowning as your Miss Delaware I have given every part of myself to this job and to my Miss America journey. I know in my heart that I am ready for this, and that God has a greater plan for me. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers between now and January 15th, that I can stay strong mentally and physically and allow the judges to see the real me.

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone! Thank you for all of your support and positivity!

Warmest Wishes,

Kayla Martell
Miss Delaware 2010