Aniston Middleton: Beyond the Crown

Story by Katrice Williams  |  Photography by Leidy Lester

 

Pageants are fun, but it’s not just all about winning. Always remember that you’re beautiful in or out of the dress, with or without makeup, and always be kind to others,” Aniston Middleton states. Aniston was crowned Miss Bryan County Elementary School (BCES) in March towards the end of the school year. She recently began her sixth-grade year at Bryan County Middle School.

Aniston, who aspires to become a veterinarian one day, has kept herself busy for quite some time, whether competing in pageants or even spearheading noteworthy philanthropic initiatives; even at such a young age, she has strived to be a well-rounded student.

The Platform

Aniston competed in pageants throughout her years at BCES; in fact, she competed every year except in fourth grade. She began her pageantry journey at age six. While in second grade, Aniston offered her support to Paws-For-A-Cause, an organization dedicated to helping shelter dogs in need where all profits support the mission to save them. She participated in a fundraising pageant on behalf of the organization.

After experiencing the joy of benefiting the animals through the pageant, Aniston was inspired. She knew that she wanted to do something meaningful in order to make a difference in the lives of other people and animals. While she was still in second grade, Aniston talked to her mom Alicia about it all. With the help of her mom, Aniston created her very own pageantry platform: Sashes in Action (Sashes). The mother-daughter duo has made quite the remarkable team.

Through Sashes, Aniston has been assisting her school each year by spearheading  fundraising-based donation drives. Sashes orchestrates a back-to-school drive. Each quarter, the organization offers a donation drive that aids in the supply of items such as classroom supplies, nurse’s office essentials or pet food. Sashes also raises money to give to the school’s parent-teacher organization to help fill the gaps that are not covered in the school budget – i.e. headphones, notepads, water bottles, etc. Prior to the start of each quarter, Sashes is made aware of the school’s biggest needs in order to hold the appropriate donation drive for that period. In fact, Sashes coordinates an Amazon Wish List on behalf of the school while donations can also be made directly to the school.

“We wanted to do things that would take loads off the kids, the educators and the community and show that pageantry is not just about a pretty face. We’re getting involved in our community and serving our community well,” Alicia states.

Aniston is proud of the noble cause; she enjoys taking part in doing a lot of good in the lives of others.

“I really think it’s helping; I just like to help people,” she says. In addition, Sashes also offers donations to the Bulloch County Animal Shelter.

Moreover, Aniston has worked alongside the Poppie’s Pals organization, a nonprofit created by Catherine Sanders for the purpose of serving underprivileged children in Bryan County. Catherine began the nonprofit in memory of her grandfather R.D. (Ronney) Eaton, who maintained a heartfelt desire to help children in need. Poppie’s Pals provides children with various necessities, including food, clothing and school supplies. The organization has also offered other areas of assistance within the community. In fact, during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby, the organization helped with flood relief efforts by providing individuals with extended housing, dumpsters for cleanup efforts, etc.

Journey to the Crown

Aniston wanted to compete for the title of Miss BCES for as long as she could remember. She actually didn’t just want to compete for it; she wanted to win.

“I started when I was six and worked my way up to doing more pageants,”
she says.

While in fourth grade, Aniston had the privilege to model for fashion designer Marc Defang in New York City. She enjoyed the tremendous opportunity to model a variety of girls’ attire from his clothing line. In addition, she competed in a New York pageant in fifth grade under the guidance of pageant director Gloria Arias.

Aniston has been fascinated with nearly everything about pageants for a long time—the beautiful attire, the crown and sash or just the sheer fun in getting all dolled up. She has always been eager to commit herself to the hard work needed to achieve her pageantry goals over the years.

Aniston is grateful to all those who have been a part of her journey thus far. She is incredibly thankful for Alison Holcombe, BCES Principal, who has been an instrumental part of her support system.

“She has been a tremendous support system for Aniston in and out of school; she really goes above and beyond for each child in her school,” Alicia says.

Sashes in Action became Aniston’s platform for Miss BCES. She will always remember that occasion—her dazzling gown, the other beautiful girls, the crowd and her mom’s yells of excitement for her in the audience. It was quite a special time for Aniston - one that she was both proud and appreciative to take part in alongside all the other contestants.

“I cheered for everyone. I worked hard for that award for four years. It makes me very happy to know that I worked hard and [earned] what I worked hard for; hard work pays off,” she states.

Mom the Mentor

Aniston is so thankful for the love and support of her most meaningful mentor and role model: her mom. Alicia has supported her daughter’s dreams throughout the years; she has encouraged her to accomplish her goals in pageantry while also challenging her to be the very best version of herself that she can be, even beyond the crown.

“My mom is always kind. She helped me a lot with starting pageants. She was very supportive. She was always that person in the crowd that
you could hear yelling my name the loudest,” Aniston says.

Determination

Aniston has worked hard to achieve her goals—those in pageantry and beyond. Early on, Alicia realized that her daughter would, at times, become a bit overwhelmed in noisy or chaotic atmospheres, especially those sometimes present in certain school settings. Alicia did not want anything to impact Aniston’s academic or personal development.

Aniston has been a part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which has helped to address some of her unique educational needs - those specifically related to anxiety.

“She gets outside assistance, and instead of becoming overwhelmed, she has found ways to stay calm despite the noise,” Alicia states.

Aniston has not let it hold her back one bit; she is determined to be the very best she can be through it all.

“I feel very proud of myself,” Aniston says.

Aniston Middleton has never been just another little pretty face. Even at such a young age, this pageant princess has always been so much m