A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest, Sara Millikеn, has responded to online trolls who labeled her an “unhealthy embarrassment.” The 23-year-old was thrilled when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant, but her joy was short-lived as she faced a barrage of negative comments about her appearance.
“Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,” Millikеn told WKRG. “Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.”
Millikеn’s response to the criticism highlights the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness. Despite the negative comments, she remains determined to not let the harsh words hold her back as she prepares for the national final in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Among the cruel remarks, Blaine Tom Mieroughts wrote, “I thought it was a beauty pageant,” while Randy Hicks added, “Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?” John Mason made a hurtful reference to the fast-food chain, saying, “This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner.”
However, Millikеn also received support from many individuals. Tracie Stephens-Brooks praised her, saying, “To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass, and a lot of class.” Samantha Thrash Duff expressed her pride, stating, “So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!” David Junior added, “Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!”
Millikеn’s victory was her third attempt at the contest, which aims to foster “positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within.” She competed over Memorial Day Weekend, participating in interviews, volunteer work, and presentations. The pageant scores contestants based on “personality, confidence, and communication,” according to organizers.
The website for the contest states, “Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights, and appearances are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate.”
Although sh.ocked by the initial negative response, Millikеn has since received an outpouring of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.
She remains focused on spreading positivity. “I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,” she admitted. “Their words can hurt, even if it is online. I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.”
Supporters have offered her everything from dresses to beauty products to help her in the next round of the competition. Millikеn emphasized the importance of kindness and noted that not everyone can easily shake off cyberbullying.
“No matter what your body looks likе, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Millikеn said following her victory. “I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.”
Hundreds of supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of support, reinforcing the importance of community and positivity in the face of online negativity.
My Brother Kicked Our Grandma out Because She Had No Money Left – She Taught Him a Lesson He Will Never Forget
When my brother Paul kicked Grandma Eleanor out for not contributing financially, I took her in, driven by love and loyalty. As she rebuilt her life and found unexpected success, Paul’s regret surfaced, but I wondered if it would be enough to mend our broken bonds.
“Rachel, I can’t keep doing this,” Paul said, slamming his cup down on the table. “She’s costing too much.”
“Paul, she’s our grandmother. She raised us, remember?” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I could see the tension in his jaw, the frustration in his eyes.
“That was then. Things are different now,” he said, crossing his arms. “She doesn’t bring anything to the table anymore. She just sits there, painting and wasting time.”
A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
“Those paintings mean something to her,” I said. “And they could mean something to us if we let them.”
Paul scoffed. “Sentimental nonsense. I need to think about the future, Rachel. We can’t afford dead weight.”
I felt a lump form in my throat. “Paul, it’s not about what she can give us now. It’s about what she’s already given.”
A man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
He stood up, running a hand through his hair. “Look, I’ve got a family to think about. Expenses are through the roof. If she can’t contribute, I don’t see why we should carry the load.”
“Because she’s family. She’s more than family; this is Grandma Eleanor we’re talking about,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Weeks passed, and Paul’s demeanor only grew colder. Grandma Eleanor tried to hide the hurt, but I could see it in her eyes, the way she clutched her paintbrushes like lifelines.
My kids adored her, always sitting by her side as she painted, their laughter filling the house with a warmth Paul’s home had long since lost.
A woman makes a call on a cell phone | Source: Pexels
One evening, Paul called me. “Rachel, it’s time she moves out. I can’t do this anymore.”
I felt my heart sink. “Where will she go?”
“She can stay with you,” he said bluntly. “You seem to care so much.”
I agreed, but the conversation left a bitter taste in my mouth. I couldn’t understand how Paul had become so heartless. I prepared the spare room, knowing Grandma would need a space that felt like home, a place where she could paint without feeling like a burden.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
When I broke the news to Eleanor, she smiled softly, though I saw the tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you, Rachel. You’ve always had a kind heart.”
“Grandma, you don’t need to thank me. This is your home too,” I said, hugging her tightly.
The move was quick. Paul didn’t even help. He watched from the doorway as we packed up her few belongings. “You’re doing the right thing,” he said, almost to convince himself.
An elderly woman and child arrange flowers together | Source: Pexels
I drove her to my house, the silence heavy between us. As we pulled into the driveway, she reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’ll be okay, Rachel.”
Inside, my kids greeted her with open arms. “Great-Grandma, show us how to paint like you!” they exclaimed, pulling her into the living room where her easel was already set up.
Eleanor smiled, the first genuine smile I’d seen in weeks. “Of course, darlings. Let’s create something beautiful.”
A woman browses through images on a laptop | Source: Pexels
The days passed, and Eleanor began to rediscover her passion for painting. My kids were her biggest fans, always eager to see her latest work. “You’ve got a real gift, Grandma,” I told her one afternoon, admiring a vibrant landscape she’d just finished.
“Thank you, Rachel. I’d almost forgotten how much I loved this,” she replied, her eyes shining with a renewed sense of purpose.
With the kids’ encouragement, she started sharing her artwork online. I helped her set up a social media account, and soon, her unique style and heartfelt stories behind each piece began to attract attention. Comments poured in, praising her talent and resilience.
An elderly woman examines a cell phone screen | Source: Pexels
One evening, she received a message from a local art gallery. “Rachel, look at this,” she said, her hands trembling with excitement. “They want to give me a solo exhibition!”
I hugged her tightly. “That’s amazing, Grandma! You deserve this.”
The weeks leading up to the exhibition were a flurry of activity. Eleanor worked tirelessly, creating new pieces and preparing for the big day. My kids helped with everything, from selecting frames to writing descriptions for each painting.
Patrons walk through an art exhibition | Source: Pexels
The night of the exhibition arrived, and the gallery buzzed with excitement. People admired her work, and almost every painting sold. She even received several commissions, securing her financial independence.
Eleanor stood before the crowd, her voice steady and strong. “Thank you all for believing in me,” she said, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Word of her success reached Paul, and a few days later, he showed up at my doorstep. “Rachel, can we talk?” he asked, his tone uncharacteristically soft.
A man facing the camera | Source: Pexels
“Paul, what do you want?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“I made a mistake,” he admitted, looking down. “I shouldn’t have kicked her out. I see that now.”
Eleanor stepped forward, her eyes piercing through him. “It’s a little late for that, Paul,” she said, her voice firm. “You showed your true colors when you turned your back on family.”
An elderly woman looking into the camera lens | Source: Pexels
He shifted uncomfortably. “I want to make it right, Grandma. Please.”
She shook her head, eyes narrowing. “No, Paul. You only want to make things right because you see my success now. Where was this concern when I needed a home, when all I had was my art and my memories?”
“I was wrong,” he said, his voice breaking. “I see that now. I’ve lost so much because of my actions.”
A elderly woman looks through window glass, with a figure in the background | Source: Pexels
“You lost our respect,” she said. “And that’s something you can’t buy back with apologies or money. Family is about love and support, not about what you can get from them.”
Paul looked devastated. “Please, give me a chance to make amends,” he pleaded.
Eleanor stood firm, her renewed strength evident in her posture. “You need to learn what it means to truly value someone for who they are, not what they can provide financially. Until then, I have nothing more to say to you.”
A man holding his head in his hands | Source: Pexels
Paul hung his head, realizing the full weight of his actions. “I understand,” he whispered before turning away, a broken man.
As Paul left, Eleanor turned to me, her eyes filled with resolve. “Rachel, I’m grateful for you and the kids. You’ve shown me what true family means.”
We hugged, and I felt a sense of peace knowing she was finally where she belonged, surrounded by love and support.
Two women embracing | Source: Pexels
Eleanor’s art continued to flourish. Her story of resilience and dignity spread through the community, inspiring many. People came to her exhibitions not just to see her paintings, but to hear her story, and to learn about the woman who found strength in the face of adversity.
One evening, as we sat in the living room, the kids at her feet, eagerly painting, I reflected on everything that had happened. “Grandma, your strength has changed us all,” I said. “You’ve taught us what it means to stand up for yourself and to cherish the people who truly matter.”
A woman painting alongside two children | Source: Pexels
She smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride. “It’s never too late to find your strength, Rachel. And it’s never too late to teach others the true essence of family.”
Paul, meanwhile, was left to grapple with his own failings. He watched from afar as Eleanor’s life blossomed without him. It was a harsh lesson, but one he needed to learn. His materialism had cost him dearly, a reminder that true wealth is found in the love and respect of those who matter most.
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