Montana News

Miss Montana shares life with autism through video contest

Posted: Jan 7, 2013 8:00 AM by Tara Grimes

GREAT FALLS - Cut Bank resident Alexis Wineman will take the stage on Saturday in the Miss America Pageant, but for now she is hoping to garner enough votes online to become a finalist in the contest.

Wineman explained why she feels she should be the next Miss America in the Miss America online video contest.

Wineman's platform issue, titled "Normal is Just a Dryer Setting: Living with Autism," focuses on her life since she was diagnosed with a form of it in 7th grade. She said she hopes to bring national awareness to it.

"Most people do not understand what autism is, and one in 88 people having some form of autism, this understanding is becoming more and more necessary," Wineman said in the video.

Wineman is also keeping friends, family and fans up to date on her Facebook page, where she said she has enjoyed walking the runway at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas and making appearances at various events.

She has also been chosen as one of 14 contestants to be featured on the show "20/20."

Click here to see her video and cast your vote.

(Photo courtesy: Miss Montana scholarship program)