Picture this: a local girl from Scarborough, armed with a gown from a charity shop, stepping onto the national spotlight not just for glamour, but to rewrite history and spotlight overlooked heroes. Becks Morgan, crowned Miss Scarborough, is gearing up for today's Miss Great Britain Final, and her journey is one that flips the script on what pageants can really achieve. But here's where it gets intriguing—could this be the spark to redefine beauty contests as vehicles for social change? Let's dive into her inspiring story and the causes she's championing, which might just surprise you.
Becks, a proud native of Scarborough now residing in Whitby, is all set to represent her coastal home at the prestigious Miss Great Britain competition. And the twist? She's strutting her stuff in an ensemble she picked up from a local charity shop, adding a layer of heartwarming authenticity to the event. For those new to this world, Miss Great Britain isn't your typical runway show—it's the UK's oldest and most revered pageant, dating back to 1945. In today's version, it's evolved far beyond just looks; judges seek out contestants who radiate strength, smarts, drive, honesty, and kindness, transforming it into a platform for empowerment rather than mere aesthetics. Becks, fresh from earning her history degree at the University of Oxford, is among the elite finalists vying for the crown.
When I spoke with her, Becks bubbled over with enthusiasm about seizing this chance to shine a light on the Yorkshire Coast from a national podium. 'Miss Great Britain is a pageant, and when folks hear that word, they often picture sparkle and sophistication—which, let's be real, gets my adrenaline pumping! I adore a good dress-up session. But what truly drew me in was witnessing how many women in the competition are making real impacts in their communities. It's a golden opportunity to stand for the place I call home on such a grand scale, and I was thrilled to jump on board,' she shared with a smile.
And this is the part most people miss—Becks is weaving in a personal touch that's as thoughtful as it is symbolic. For a crucial segment of this weekend's showdown, she'll be rocking an outfit she unearthed at a Cancer Research charity shop in Whitby. As she explained, 'One of the pageant's key supporters is cancer research, so I popped into their shop hoping to find something special. The staff, especially Danny, were absolute stars—they helped me track down the most fabulous dress for the main event. I'm over the moon to wear it on stage. Huge shoutout to Cancer Research Whitby and Danny for making this happen!'
Beyond the fashion flair, Becks is channeling the competition into a broader mission: boosting tourism along the Yorkshire Coast. This ties perfectly into the organizing body's philosophy, where pageants serve as launchpads for promoting travel, eco-friendly exploration, and environmental awareness in the host area. Contestants are often dubbed Tourism Ambassadors, selected for their knack at showcasing local attractions and their deep knowledge of regional hotspots. It's a smart blend of spectacle and substance, encouraging visitors to explore places like Scarborough's charming beaches or Whitby's historic abbeys.
As for the big day itself, Becks confesses a mix of thrill and butterflies, especially with the opener being a group dance. 'Honestly, excitement is the main vibe—I'm there to honor my community, the spots I grew up loving, and the people I know. The only jittery part is that opening dance routine; anyone who's met me knows I'm not exactly a ballroom pro—I have two left feet! If you're tuning in live, maybe give the other ladies a glance during that bit, but for the rest, I'd love your cheers. I've dabbled in dance before, like through pantomime where a stumble can turn comedic. But tripping in a shiny gold mini dress on national TV? Not exactly on my bucket list—guess I'll just give it my all and see what unfolds!'
Now, shifting gears to what really sets Becks apart: her 'HER STORY' initiative, a passionate push to celebrate women who've been sidelined in the world of education. As she describes it, 'I launched "HER STORY" because countless women across history have battled to shatter the glass ceiling through learning. Their groundbreaking efforts often went unnoticed, with many denied the degrees they earned despite their trailblazing contributions. Even now, women and girls face barriers that prevent them from chasing higher education dreams. My campaign aims to posthumously honor past pioneers with the degrees they deserved, recognizing their tireless work. Plus, I'm setting up crowd-funded grants and scholarships to empower future generations of women to continue their legacies and access universities.'
To illustrate this powerful point, Becks points to a recent move at Oxford University. 'They recently gave a posthumous master's to the first native New Zealander to study there, a woman who attended over a century ago. It's a stark reminder of how long it can take for someone's community representation and hard work to get the acknowledgment it merits—proof that we need more initiatives like this to ensure recognition for all the dedication poured in.'
But here's where it gets controversial: In an age where pageants are often criticized for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, Becks' approach flips the narrative, using the platform for advocacy. Some might argue this modernizes the concept, while others wonder if it dilutes the fun of tradition. And let's not shy away from the debate—is posthumous recognition enough to right historical wrongs, or does it risk oversimplifying systemic issues in education? What do you think—does blending glamour with activism make pageants more relevant today, or should we rethink them entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even your own stories of educational trailblazers!
