Grace, Grit, and Giving Back: The Story of Bethany Ablondi

Photo by Karen Presecan

At just 18 years old, Bethany Ablondi has already built a life defined by artistry, advocacy, and an unshakable commitment to serving others. As Miss Spotsylvania County's Teen, a pre-professional ballerina, an award-winning cosplayer, and the founder of her own art company, Bethany's story is one of turning personal challenges into purpose — and inspiring her Spotsylvania County community along the way.

A Title with Purpose

Bethany doesn't wear her crown lightly. "As Miss Spotsylvania County's Teen, I am honored to use my title to serve my community and raise awareness about an issue that is deeply personal to me," she said. That issue is Celiac disease, a condition Bethany lives with herself, and one she has transformed into the foundation of her Community Service Initiative: Celiac Strong. Through the initiative, she works "to educate others about Celiac disease, promote understanding and inclusion for those living with the condition, and encourage individuals to turn their challenges into opportunities to help others."

Her title has also connected her to something larger than herself. As part of the Miss America Opportunity, Bethany has found both a platform and a legacy. "Being Miss Spotsylvania County's Teen has given me the opportunity to be part of the historic Miss America Opportunity, an organization that awards scholarships and empowers young women to lead and serve in their communities," she explained. "I am grateful for the platform it has provided to share my Community Service Initiative: Celiac Strong."

A Family Legacy Four Generations Strong

For Bethany, the Miss America Opportunity isn't just a personal achievement — it's a family tradition that stretches back generations. Her great-grandmother watched eight Miss Americas crowned live in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, and her mother became the first woman in the family to graduate from college, funded in part by scholarships won through the Miss America Organization. Now, Bethany is writing her own chapter. 

"Now I am leaving my own legacy with Miss America through my community services initiative, Celiac Strong," she said. "I advocate for policy change, educate others about Celiac disease, and spread inclusion throughout the commonwealth."

An Artist and a Dancer

Bethany's creative talents extend well beyond her advocacy work. Homeschooled throughout her childhood, she is now a rising sophomore at Germanna Community College, working toward an Associate's Degree in Arts and Business Administration before continuing on to a dedicated art school. Her ambitions are big and specific: she hopes to one day become a licensed fine artist for Disney and Universal, all while continuing to dance professionally.

That dream is already well underway. Bethany is the owner and artist behind Graceful Hands Art Company, where she creates vibrant paintings and dynamic sculptures crafted from recycled materials. She's also an award-winning cosplayer, having taken first place in three competitions, and has logged more than 180 volunteer hours working with drama and high school art students.

Dance, however, has been a constant throughout her life. A pre-professional ballerina, Bethany has trained in classical ballet at Avery Ballet for more than ten years, alongside her younger sisters Olivia and Naomi, who are also trained dancers. Her performances haven't been limited to the stage for their own sake — for the past three years, she has used her talent to give back. "For the past three years, I have shared the joy of dance with underprivileged students by performing at the Head Start Centers," she noted, reflecting the same spirit of service that runs through nearly everything she does.

Community at the Center

Bethany has lived in Spotsylvania County her entire life, after her family relocated there for her father's job. That lifelong connection has made the county feel like more than just a hometown. "I love living where I do," she said. "There are so many exciting events." Among her favorites are the Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, in which she's had the opportunity to ride, and the Spotsylvania County Fair, which happens to land on her birthday every year.

But for Bethany, the county's true character shows in how its residents show up for one another. She recalled a moment that stuck with her: dropping off donated stuffed animals at the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office. "At both of these events, I saw the community come together in celebration, but I have also seen them come together to build one another up," she said, describing the spirit she sees in her hometown again and again.

Her community involvement runs deep in the local arts scene as well. She is an alumna of Talent FXBG — the only theater group to continue meeting virtually throughout the pandemic — and is now a founding member of Center Stage FXBG Youth Theatre, which will launch its very first season this fall.

A Message of Understanding

Perhaps nowhere does Bethany's character shine through more clearly than in the message she hopes to share with her neighbors. Living with Celiac disease has shaped not just her advocacy but her outlook on kindness itself. 

"I would encourage my neighbors to remember that everyone is carrying challenges you may not be able to see," she said. "Living with Celiac disease has taught me that small acts of understanding and kindness can make a big difference. Whether it's learning about food restrictions, asking questions, or simply making someone feel included, your support matters."

She also offers a broader message of resilience to anyone facing hardship of their own. "I also want to encourage anyone facing a setback not to let it define them," Bethany said. "Some of our greatest challenges can become opportunities to grow, serve others, and make a difference. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, look for ways to use your experiences to help someone else. You never know how your story might inspire another person who is facing the same struggles."

A Legacy Still Being Written

Between her artwork, ballet training, advocacy through Celiac Strong, and deep roots in the Spotsylvania community, Bethany Ablondi is a young woman already leaving her mark — one canvas, one performance, and one act of kindness at a time. As she looks ahead to art school, a professional ballet career, and continued advocacy work, one thing is clear: Bethany isn't just wearing a crown. She's using it to build something lasting for the people around her.