By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent
KEMPSVILLE
Three months after Niara Wynter's brother died from cancer, the 8-year-old stood in front of her classmates and told them how she planned to fight the disease.
In March, her brother Brandon, 15, died of Glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer. He was a student at Kempsville High School who loved poetry, singing, dancing and track.
In June, Niara was crowned 2008 Little Miss Relay for Life.
"I want to help raise money to fight cancer and to help honor my brother and those who have lost their life to cancer," said Niara, a third-grader at Kempsville Elementary School.
The first Little Miss/Mister Relay for Life Pageant was held at Red Wing Park as part of the Virginia Beach Relay for Life activities. The competition was open to boys and girls ages 6 to 11 who have a connection to cancer through a family member or friend.
The pageant's goal is to let children who are dealing with cancer meet other children in similar situations, said Toiya Sosa, public affairs coordinator for GEICO, a sponsor for the Virginia Beach relay.
"I also wanted other children to be inspired by the contestants to make a difference," Sosa said. The pageant included evening wear, sandwich board displays, interview, video presentation, crowning and awards.
Niara's parents, Mesah Jones and Junior Wynter, and her sister, Brianna Jones, were there when she was selected from the five contestants and received her trophy and tiara. Her first official role was leading the Green Run High School marching band at the Relay for Life as cancer survivors followed.
"My favorite thing was making the video presentation about my brother," said Niara, who designed a poster board with photos of them playing together. During her yearlong reign, Niara will be a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
