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Hand Middle Student Named World’s Universal Prince

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Hand Middle School seventh-grade student Robert Pridgen III has been named the 2026 World’s Universal Prince for the ages 10-12 division.

The World’s Universal Beauty and Prince competitions, organized by the Our Little Miss pageant system, was held January 15-19 in Montgomery, Alabama. 

“I’m super excited but also nervous because this is such a big title,” Robert said.

Robert started competing in pageants in November 2025. His mother, Sharon Pridgen, a special education teacher at Southeast Middle School, inspired him to compete.

“Robert saw that there were boys and men competing and he was like ‘Mom, I want to do that, too.’ It’s been great seeing him go out there and come out of his comfort zone,” said Pridgen.

In addition to competing with her son, Pridgen was named the second alternate in the World’s Universal Beauty Competition for the ages 40+ division.

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Boy with crown and sash walking

PHOTO 1: Hand Middle School seventh-grade student Robert Pridgen III has been named the 2026 World’s Universal Prince for the ages 10-12 division.

 

 

Boy and mom standing and smiling

PHOTO 2: Robert’s mother, Sharon Pridgen (left), was named the second alternate in the World’s Universal Beauty Competition for the ages 40+ division. Pridgen is a special education teacher at Southeast Middle School.