About Me.
Hello everyone! My name is Amileah Waggoner, and I'm a 16-year-old Junior from Ramsey, Illinois. I'm proud to serve as a local titleholder through the Miss America's Teen Opportunity. Through this organization, I've been able to grow as a leader, volunteer, and advocate by developing my community service initiative, Vision 20/20; Bringing Sight to Everyone.
My passion for education and advocating for eye care began back in 4th grade when I struggled with reading and even had trouble seeing the ball during softball practice. After discovering that vision challenges were the cause, I realized how important eye care and early detection can be. Since then, I've made it my mission to spread awareness and ensure that everyone has access to the vision care they need to be successful.
This concept is bigger than me - and that belief is what inspired me to create my school program and website, Your Future is Clear. I saw a need that went beyond one classroom, one school, or even one state, through this interactive platform, I can reach students across the United States and around the world, teaching them how to care for their eye health and empowering them to speak up when they struggle with their vision.
Vision effects learning, confidence, and opportunity. I believe no child should fall behind simply because they can't see clearly. That belief pushed me beyond education and into action. I wanted to help families who may struggle to afford eye exams and glasses, so I partnered with the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation to bring their EYES program to Illinois. Along with the Lions of Illinois Vision and hearing division expands access to life-changing resources for more families.
I am deeply humbled to be ENDORSED by the Illinois Optomectric Association, whose support allows me to connect with highly qualified Optometrists and strengthen the impact of the programs I advocate for.
Your Future is Clear, the partnerships, and the advocacy are meant to continue helping children long after I'm gone. Creating something that lasts, something that truly changes lives, is my greatest achievement.
