When freshman Madison Howell was two-years-old she started competing in pageants. Madison enjoys doing pageants because it helps her boost her self confidence and she loves getting dressed up and meeting new people.

Madison has competed for and won three National titles: Americas Pre Teen Miss 2011, Americas Junior Miss 2013-2014, and Junior Miss of America 2013-2014. Madison said, “My mom was an inspiration to me when I started pageants and she continues to be.”

When Madison was 10-years-old she met one of her best friends, Kyndall Fitzgerald at a pageant. Even though Kyndall does not live in the same place as Madison, they still travel to see each other. “Even though we have to compete against each other sometimes, we are always there to encourage and support each other,” said Madison.

Madison says that one good thing about pageants is the interview because they prepare her for later in life when she will have job interviews.

Along with pageants, Madison is also a varsity basketball cheerleader; she made the team as a freshman. Madison started cheering for Danville Cheer Force when she was four and then later cheered for Cheer Extreme All Stars. She started cheering for school when she was nine-years-old.

Something Madison has had to face with cheerleading and pageants is dislocating her patella in both of her legs. Even though she does have problems in both legs, she does not let it stop her from doing two things that she loves. When she is cheering it is hard for her to turn, jump, and do splits, but she always gives it her best. This injury also makes it difficult to walk in heels during pageants.

Her goal is to compete for the Miss Virginia title when she turns 18. After that, the next step would be for her to compete for Miss America.