Skylar Payton

WARSAW — Skylar Payton is great at proving others wrong.

Doctors told Skylar’s parents she would never walk or talk since she was born with cerebral palsy. Born two months premature and weighing only 2 1/2 pounds, some told Skylar that she can’t do much of anything because of her disability.

But she has proved those nay-sayers wrong. Skylar can talk anyone’s ear off if she really felt like it. There’s many  “No, you can’t” statements she has changed into “Watch me, because I can” actions.

Skylar is a cheerleader, horseback rider, 4-H member, photographer and beauty pageant winner. Most recently, she won Indiana Miss Amazing Jr. Teen, and she now has the opportunity to attend the National Miss Amazing 2018 program from Aug. 3 to 6 in Chicago.

She also participated in the Poss-ABILITIES Showcase at the Kosciusko County Fair, presenting a sheep and rabbit. Skylar also won awards for photography at this year’s fair.

“Can’t is a naughty word in our house,” said Sam Payton, Skylar’s mom. “Every time she’s been told she can’t do something, she’s proved them wrong. Who would’ve thought a girl in a wheelchair would be showing sheep?”

Skylar said that the next goal on her mind is to show cows someday. She also decided to join beauty pageants to have fun. Skylar and her family have even attended a national competition in California.

“it’s a great way for her to connect with others with disabilities,” said Sam. “It’s a neat experience for her to get out there and realize that she can do anything.”

Unfortunately, with medical bills that include weekly physical and behavioral therapy, it will be difficult to make the Chicago trip possible. It takes roughly $2,500 to cover travel and lodging expenses for a Miss Amazing queen and one guest.

Those interested in helping fund Skylar’s trip to the national competition can go to donate.missamazing.org/queens2018. Checks can also be mailed to Miss Amazing Inc., 1109 Parc Drive, Papillion, NE 68046. Specify Skylar’s name in the check’s memo.

Skylar is everything people said she couldn’t be. She’s a 4-H member. She’s a photographer. She’s Indiana Miss Amazing Jr. Teen. And she could be National Miss Amazing 2018. After all, she’s great at showing others that anything is possible, no matter what obstacles are in the way.