Imagine a young woman from the Yorkshire Coast stepping into the spotlight of one of the UK's most iconic competitions, not just to dazzle with glamour, but to honor unsung female pioneers in education who were robbed of their rightful recognition – that's the inspiring journey of Becks Morgan, Miss Scarborough, as she prepares for the Miss Great Britain Final.
Becks Morgan, proudly holding the crown of Miss Scarborough, is making her way to the grand finale of Miss Great Britain today, turning heads with an elegant gown she discovered right in her local community. Born and raised in the charming town of Scarborough, and now calling the picturesque Whitby home, Becks is eager to seize this high-profile opportunity to shine a light on the breathtaking Yorkshire Coast. At the same time, she's passionate about advancing her heartfelt initiative that celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of women in the field of education – a cause that's close to her heart and desperately needs more attention.
Let's take a quick look at what makes Miss Great Britain so special. Founded way back in 1945, it's widely regarded as the longest-running and most esteemed beauty pageant in the United Kingdom. But don't let the 'beauty' label fool you – today's version is all about finding a well-rounded champion who radiates strength, sharp intellect, drive, honesty, and empathy. It's evolved far beyond the old-school stereotypes of just looks and poise; instead, it honors women who make a real difference. Becks fits right in as one of the top contenders, fresh off her recent graduation from the prestigious University of Oxford, where she earned a degree in history. That academic background? It's a perfect match for her advocacy work, giving her the tools to dive deep into stories of overlooked achievements.
When asked what fuels her fire for this adventure, Becks couldn't hide her enthusiasm for putting her beloved region in the national spotlight. 'Pageants like Miss Great Britain always conjure images of sparkling lights and fabulous outfits, and honestly, who doesn't get a thrill from that? I absolutely adore getting dolled up for a big occasion,' she shared with a laugh. But here's where it gets even more compelling – and the part most people overlook: the incredible community impact these events enable. 'What truly drew me in was seeing how many of the other contestants are pouring their energy into local causes. Plus, it's an amazing chance to wave the flag for where you're from on a bigger stage, and I couldn't wait to jump on board with that.'
For one standout moment in this weekend's festivities, Becks is keeping things grounded and meaningful by slipping into an outfit straight from a nearby charity shop – a choice that ties beautifully into the pageant's values. 'One of the key supporters of Miss Great Britain is Cancer Research, so when I popped into town, I made a beeline for their store to see if they had something special for the competition,' she explained. Shoutout to Danny, the fantastic staff member there, who helped her uncover the ideal dress for the main pageant segment. 'He was an absolute star, and I'm over the moon to showcase it on stage. A huge thanks to Cancer Research in Whitby and Danny for making this possible!' This thoughtful pick not only supports a vital cause but also shows how everyday treasures can lead to extraordinary moments – a reminder that style with substance is always in vogue.
Becks has big plans to leverage the competition's reach to boost the Yorkshire Coast's appeal, inviting people to explore its stunning landscapes, hidden gems, and vibrant culture. This isn't just a personal goal; it syncs perfectly with the philosophy of the Miss Great Britain organization, which views pageants as powerful vehicles for promoting tourism, sustainable eco-tourism, and environmental awareness in the areas contestants hail from. In fact, winners often step up as official Tourism Ambassadors for their regions, selected for their knack at highlighting attractions and sharing insider knowledge about must-see spots. Think of it as turning a crown into a key that unlocks doors to adventure for visitors – pretty cool, right?
As the final approaches, Becks is buzzing with mostly positive vibes, though she admits to a touch of butterflies, especially over the kickoff routine. 'Excitement is the main feeling washing over me – I'm there to stand tall for my community, the spots I grew up exploring, and the places I hold dear,' she said. But, and this is the part most people miss that adds a relatable human touch, there's a dash of nerves about the opening dance number. 'Anyone who knows me well can tell you I'm no dancer – I've got two left feet! So, if you're tuning into the live stream, feel free to focus on the other ladies during that bit. But I hope you'll cheer me on for everything else.' She does have some stage experience from pantomime performances, where slip-ups could turn into laughs, but as she quipped, 'Tripping in a shimmering mini dress under the national lights wasn't exactly on my bucket list. Still, you just give it your all, and that's what counts.' Her honesty here makes her all the more endearing, showing that even stars feel the pressure.
But wait, Becks' story goes even deeper with the launch of her 'HER STORY' campaign, a bold push to bring visibility to women in education whose legacies have been unfairly dimmed by history. For beginners dipping into this topic, think of it this way: education has long been a battleground for gender equality, with many brilliant women facing barriers that kept their accomplishments out of the textbooks. Becks' initiative spotlights those trailblazers, advocating for justice in ways that resonate today. 'I've kicked off the "HER STORY" campaign because countless women across history fought tooth and nail to shatter the glass ceiling through learning and achievement,' she elaborated. 'Tragically, their successes were often hushed up – women weren't even granted their degrees back then, no matter how innovative their work was. And shockingly, even now, many girls and women worldwide lack the same access to quality education they've always dreamed of, facing hurdles that block their path to universities and beyond.'
Her vision? To honor those past pioneers by pushing for posthumous degrees – that's an honorary qualification awarded after someone's passing, as a way to set the record straight and celebrate their impact. 'We need to give these women the acknowledgment they earned, and to keep their spirit alive, I'm aiming to set up crowd-funded scholarships and sponsorships. This would empower the next generation of women to chase higher education and build on that incredible legacy.' It's a full-circle approach: fixing the past to fuel the future, with real-world examples like accessible funding making dreams attainable for those who might otherwise be left behind.
Becks points to a recent milestone at her alma mater as proof that change is underway, though it's coming slower than it should. 'Just lately, during an Oxford University ceremony, they finally honored the first Indigenous New Zealander who studied there over a century ago by granting her a posthumous master's degree,' she noted. 'It's wild to think she represented her people so bravely at the time, yet it took more than 100 years for her to receive the credit she deserved. This really drives home how much more effort is required to ensure recognition doesn't come too late – or not at all. People pour their hearts into their pursuits, and they deserve to be celebrated for it.' And here's where it gets controversial: While posthumous honors are a step forward, some argue they're just symbolic gestures that don't address ongoing inequalities in education access today. Is retroactive praise enough, or should we prioritize systemic reforms for current and future generations? What do you think – does spotlighting history inspire real change, or is it time to redirect that energy elsewhere? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree with Becks' approach or have a counterpoint to share!
