LEHIGH CO., Pa. – A local teenager uses his voice and experience to inspire others across the country. A Lehigh County girl was recently crowned Pennsylvania’s Miss Amazing Queen. Now, she shares her journey and helps others find their confidence.
At the age of 17, Jaylene Goodman is back on stage, with Miss Amazing, an organization that empowers girls and women with disabilities. Miss Amazing is a non-profit program that provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence, leadership skills, and self-expression through sports-style events that focus on empowerment rather than competition.
“It was a great experience, you know, to be the 2019 state champion when I was only 11 years old. When you think back, you know, it’s amazing to be back in this environment,” Jaylene said.
After winning the state and national titles in 2019, he took a few years off, and has come back strong. She was crowned Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Teen Queen for 2026 this past week.
“She’s had a lot of problems in her life, and the fact that she always comes back, even though sometimes she slips, you know, she always comes back. And there’s always this drive to. To be a good person, to help other people,” said Jaylene’s mother, Kristin Mayers Graham.
Her mother says the turning point in her journey was when she started using coping tools like art, breathing techniques, and creative techniques to manage anxiety and depression.
On stage, Jaylene shared that journey through a performance focused on endurance, combining dance and visuals she created. His performance included the message “find your passion in the middle of the storm,” as well as pictures of the paintings he created over months; part of what he calls creative coping during his mental health journey.
“Say, get your wish in the middle of the storm,” Jaylene said. “It has to do with me because in 2020, I believe I was hospitalized for mental health issues.”
Now she’s turning that experience into advocacy.
“If you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out. I reached out. It helped,” Jaylene said. “I feel empowered to let other kids with disabilities, whether they’re visible or not, that, like, you’re not alone in this. You know, it’s worth putting yourself out there.”
Her advocacy now includes supporting local food banks, organizing donation drives, and encouraging the community to give back while raising money for residents.
Her journey has not been easy, she has faced bullying and mental health issues along the way.
“I was really nervous when I first got on stage. I was shaking really bad. I had a panic attack or two,” Jaylene said.
Off stage, Jaylene says one of the people who have supported her growth over the years is her hair stylist at The Loc Spa Hair Studio, where she has been a client since she was in elementary school. Their relationship has grown beyond the salon chair, often serving as a place for conversation, support and guidance as Jaylene grows.
“She’s very vocal. She’s very confident. She’s very creative, very fun. So, you’re seeing more and more shine as she gets older and more comfortable with herself. So, it’s really fun to see,” said her hairstylist, Sherone Bryan-Ryer.
Those close to him say the growth is clear.
“If something happens, I’ll give her the same advice I would give my daughter. So, it’s nice to see her, like, she’s about to graduate, and she’s crazy. So, it’s nice to see her grow,” said Sherone.
“My heart just lights up that. That he’s here and he’s won so much,” said Kristin. “He can get on stage and just, like, do that. Like, it’s like no one, you know, like, I was so impressed and so surprised and so proud of him.”
For Jaylene, the goal is simple: to turn her story into an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, and to remind them that they are not alone.
Jaylene is currently fundraising to help get her to the National Convention in Chicago this summer and continues her mission by helping local food banks with drop-in donations.
Donation locations are being set up throughout the area, including salons in Bethlehem and Allentown, as well as a tattoo shop in Palmerton, where members of the public can drop off non-perishable food or contribute funds. Fundraising events such as the basket raffle are also underway as she prepares for the national meet.
For more information on how you can support Jaylene and the Miss Amazing organization, you can contact them by email at: pamissamazing26@gmail.com.
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