Get ready to be inspired, because a beauty queen is flipping the script on what it means to wear a crown. Becks Morgan, crowned Miss Scarborough, is stepping onto the national stage at the Miss Great Britain Final, but don’t expect the typical glitz and glam narrative. This is where it gets groundbreaking: she’s not just there to dazzle—she’s on a mission to champion the Yorkshire Coast and honor the unsung heroines of education. And here’s the twist: her competition outfit? Sourced from a local charity shop, in a bold statement that blends style with substance.
Born in Scarborough and now living in Whitby, Becks is using this prestigious platform to spotlight her home region while launching her campaign, HER STORY. But here’s where it gets controversial: she’s demanding posthumous degrees for women in history who were denied recognition despite their groundbreaking contributions to education. Is this a long-overdue correction or a symbolic gesture that misses the mark? Let’s dive in.
Miss Great Britain, established in 1945, is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious pageant, but it’s evolved far beyond its beauty-focused roots. Today, it seeks contestants who embody strength, intelligence, ambition, integrity, and compassion. Becks, a recent University of Oxford graduate with a history degree, fits the bill perfectly. She’s not just a finalist—she’s a trailblazer in her own right.
In a candid moment, Becks shared what drew her to the competition: ‘Yes, the glitz and glam excited me—I do love dressing up. But what really grabbed my attention was the community work these women are doing. It’s a chance to represent my region on a national stage, and that’s what I’m most passionate about.’
Her charity shop outfit isn’t just a fashion choice—it’s a statement. Sourced from Cancer Research in Whitby, the dress was handpicked by Danny, a staff member who went above and beyond. ‘I’m so excited to wear it on stage,’ Becks gushed. ‘It’s a massive thank you to Cancer Research, Whitby, and Danny for making this possible.’
But Becks isn’t stopping at fashion statements. Her focus on promoting the Yorkshire Coast aligns with the pageant’s broader mission to boost tourism and eco-tourism. Contestants aren’t just beauty queens—they’re Tourism Ambassadors, chosen for their ability to showcase their regions. And this is the part most people miss: pageants like Miss Great Britain are increasingly becoming platforms for social impact, not just sparkle.
As for the competition itself, Becks admits she’s a mix of excitement and nerves. ‘I’m here to represent my community, the places I grew up, and the places I love,’ she said. But there’s one part that’s got her on edge: the opening dance number. ‘Anyone who knows me knows I have two left feet. If you’re watching the live stream, maybe focus on the other girls for that part!’ she joked. ‘But for the rest, I hope you’ll be cheering me on.’
Now, let’s talk HER STORY. This campaign is Becks’ passion project, aimed at spotlighting women in education who’ve been historically overlooked. ‘So many women have worked tirelessly to break the glass ceiling through education,’ she explained. ‘Their achievements were silenced, and even today, many girls struggle to access higher education. My campaign is about awarding posthumous degrees to these trailblazers and creating scholarships for future women to carry on their legacy.’
Here’s where it gets thought-provoking: Becks points to a recent example from Oxford University, where a native New Zealander who attended over a century ago was finally awarded a posthumous master’s degree. ‘It took 100 years for her to get the recognition she deserved,’ Becks noted. ‘It’s a stark reminder of how much work still needs to be done.’
So, here’s the question for you: Is Becks’ campaign a necessary step toward justice, or is it too little, too late? And what role should modern platforms like Miss Great Britain play in addressing historical injustices? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—your voice matters!
