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Coral Springs Teen Crowned Miss Arc Broward at Inspirational Pageant

Miss Arc Broward 2025 Gianna Gallagher of Coral Springs. {ARC}

A celebration of confidence, talent, and acceptance took center stage at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale as Arc Broward hosted its annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant.

Held on May 18, the event drew over 800 attendees and highlighted the achievements of remarkable young women with disabilities from across South Florida. Thirteen-year-old Gianna Gallagher of Coral Springs was crowned 2025 Miss Arc Broward, while seven-year-old Emily Garcia of Pembroke Pines earned the title of Little Miss Arc Broward.

Gallagher captivated the audience and judges with her performance of “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” from the Broadway musical Hamilton. Garcia charmed with a lively dance to “I Love to Read the Bible.”

Arc Broward CEO Julie Price said the event goes beyond a traditional competition. “It is impossible to leave untouched by the sense of inclusion and belonging that defines this event,” she said. “The pageant is a testament to the resilience, determination and courage of young women who inspire us with their journeys of self-discovery.”

Led by co-chairs Natalie Glusman and Candace Kelley, the pageant is the culmination of a season of programming designed to empower participants through mentorship, confidence-building, and friendship. Glusman, who also emceed the event, emphasized the pageant’s message of empowerment: “The Miss Arc Broward Pageant shows contestants and audience members that anything is possible.”

One of the evening’s most moving moments came during Gallagher’s on-stage interview when she offered a heartfelt perspective on overcoming obstacles.

“Whether it’s my mom’s laundry sitting on the couch, or my dad forgetting things, or me forgetting to do my homework…we have to keep in mind we all have our problems. We have to stand up and keep going,” she said.

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The event also featured a special appearance by last year’s Little Miss Arc Broward, Mikayla Golka, who delighted the crowd with her sparkle and hockey-themed performance.

Little Miss Arc Broward 2025 Emily Garcia (center left) and Miss Arc Broward 2025 Gianna Gallagher (center right) on stage with (l-r) teen ambassadors Simone Kheifets and Mila Fernandez; emcee and Miss Arc Broward Co-Chair Natalie Glusman; Miss Broward County 2023 Alana Scheuerer; Diane Alonso of UKG; Brady Delander of Princess Cruises; Tracy Patino of Stiles; Jesus Luzardo Family Foundation President Monica Luzardo; Brenda Ressler-Lavorano; Miss Florida 2023 Juliette Valle; Diane Conde of Pure International Classy Ms; teen ambassador Abigail Jones; and Arc Broward President and CEO Julie Price. {ARC}

This year’s contestants represented Broward and Palm Beach counties, including several from Coral Springs: Hailey Acevedo, Zoe Burgess, and Alyssa Custodio. Other participants included Halia Allen, Samantha Bellot, Sophie Carriel, Nola Schader, Alessandra Soto, Paritta Darncharnjitt, and Nevaeh Myers.

Each contestant was paired with a teen ambassador who served as a mentor throughout the pageant season. More than 20 ambassadors participated, representing local schools such as Westglades Middle School, Forest Glen Middle School, North Broward Preparatory, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, among others.

Proceeds from the event support Arc Broward’s programs for children and adults with disabilities and other life challenges. For more information or to donate, visit arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward.

Arc Broward’s 2025 Miss Arc Broward Pageant was made possible through Princess Cruises and numerous community partners, including Amazon, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Publix, UKG, Wild Felice & Partners, and many others.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.