Didn't I tell ya? Gawky teen!
My first experience with the Miss America Organization occurred when I competed for and won the title of Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen (MMOT) in 2006. I was a skinny, gawky, awkward teenager, and I am in awe of how much I have changed in the past five years through my involvement with this program.
When I first started doing pageants, it was all about ME. I wanted a singing and acting career (I know, I was a weird kid.), and MMOT was a great place to showcase my talent. However, as time went on, my involvement with this program became about much more than that.
I looked up to the Miss contestants. They were incredible role models for this young, impressionable teenager. They were beautiful, smart, talented, and they were making a difference in their communities. Their influence caused my aspirations to change. The Outstanding Teen program, and consequently the Miss America Organization, opened my eyes to the fact that one person can impact many. It empowered me to take my personal experiences and channel them into service work that positively impacted my community. The Miss America Organization has played a significant role in shaping who I have become. After I finished my year as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, I was hooked. I knew in my heart that, one day, I would become Miss Minnesota and continue to use the Miss America "microphone" to make a difference in my state.
As it turns out, there are EIGHT other Miss America contestants this year who are also former teen titleholders! I am excited to announce that I have been invited to co-host one of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen preliminary competitions in Orlando this August. I can't wait to reconnect with the Outstanding Teen titleholders from my class, Miss Idaho, Genevieve Nutting, and Miss Texas, Kendall Morris! The other former teen titleholders are Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey; Miss Kentucky, Ann-Blair Thorton; Miss Montana, Veronika Ohlinger; Miss Nebraska, Kayla Batt; Miss New Jersey, Katharyn Nicolle; and Miss North Dakota, Ariana Walker.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to return to the stage where my journey began!
Best of luck to my "little sister," Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Alexis Houule! You will shine!
As it turns out, there are EIGHT other Miss America contestants this year who are also former teen titleholders! I am excited to announce that I have been invited to co-host one of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen preliminary competitions in Orlando this August. I can't wait to reconnect with the Outstanding Teen titleholders from my class, Miss Idaho, Genevieve Nutting, and Miss Texas, Kendall Morris! The other former teen titleholders are Miss Georgia, Michaela Lackey; Miss Kentucky, Ann-Blair Thorton; Miss Montana, Veronika Ohlinger; Miss Nebraska, Kayla Batt; Miss New Jersey, Katharyn Nicolle; and Miss North Dakota, Ariana Walker.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to return to the stage where my journey began!
Best of luck to my "little sister," Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Alexis Houule! You will shine!
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Alexis Houule
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