As a recently recruited writer for the fourpoints team, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to the members of the pageantry world. The exposure I had to the Miss America Organization prior to this position can be summed up by a handful of evenings spent watching the annual pageant, and a DVD copy of Miss Congeniality. But in the short weeks I've been writing, I have come into contact with contestants, volunteers, Executive Directors, and parents who are true advocates for the organization.

I got into writing because it is my heartfelt belief that everyone has a story to tell. Writing, however, can sometimes be daunting, and that's where I come in. If I can encounter someone, listen to their experiences, and craft an article that exemplifies their passion, then I have succeeded. The people I have interviewed so far for the upcoming issue of fourpoints have fierce affection for MAO, and frankly, they are making my job easy. I hope our fourpoints readers will be as inspired by them as I already am.

I still get starry eyed talking to Miss States over the phone, and my knees are weak just preparing to interview Miss America Laura Kaeppeler in the coming weeks, but to all participants in the Miss America Organization, I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to share in your joys and journeys to scholarship, success, style and service.

Erika Fifelski joined the Serendipity Media, LLC team in August 2011. Before that she wrote for a daily newspaper in Northeast Michigan. She has a degree in journalism from Michigan State University, and if she had to choose, her platform would involve advocating for urban farming and food sovereignty.

 “I knew I wanted to win, but I wasn’t sure that I could,” she admits. “It was so hard to imagine.

I recently celebrated 5 years with fourpoints magazine, and I am incredibly thankful for continued chance I have to get to know all of you, tell your stories, and hopefully help you in your pageant endeavors.

I am thankful to all the people who help me with stories, send in photos, and keep me going with their accolades, suggestions, and questions.

What are you thankful for?

Welcome to our new MAOTeen Elizabeth Fechtel! And welcome home to me! Now that I'm back in the office and have my desk cleaned off (that's no small task, trust me) , let's talk about MAOTeen. What a great week! I hope that you guys stayed in touch with the pageant happenings through our Twitter, Facebook, and all the articles/videos on the web. In case you couldn't tell, fourpoints had a total blast during pageant week! Every year, it's so inspiring to see our relationship with MAOTeen grow. And each class of contestants is just as wonderful as the last.

Another of of the best things about MAOTeen is that I get a "sneak peek" at the 2012 Miss America contestants. I had the pleasure of chatting with our Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan while she signed autographs at our booth during pageant week. She was as lovely as ever. It's so impressive to me to see a Miss America about halfway through her year of service, and she is as fresh and cheerful as the day she was crowned. Every reigning Miss America I have ever met has been that way, and - well, let's just say that I don't think I would be so pleasant!  It was nice to have a moment to talk with Teresa.

I also got to do one of my favorite things, which is have my makeup done by an Aristrty professional. I am seriously in love with their products - and I'm not just saying that! He even managed to make me look believably tan - a true artist!

Of course, the most exciting part of the week is seeing our new MAOTeen crowned. Elizabeth is going to do a great job and I can't wait for you guys to see her on the cover of the October/November issue.

As a final note, though, I want to extend my congratulations and affection to the entire MAOTeen class. Time and time again, I find myself thinking that every contestant who competes really wins. As Donna Bozarth mentioned during pageant week, MAOTeen has already written half a million dollars in scholarship checks. And those didn't go to just the winners of the national pageant. So many young women are stepping into their future with scholarship money, a great skill set, and an unforgettable experience.

During pageant week, I had the chance to speak to some of the contestants. They all had wonderful things to say, but one thing has stuck with me. Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen Lauren Percy gave MAOTeen the highest accolades it could ever receive. She said, "This organization has give me the confidence to take my make-up off and just be who I am."

I hope that every young lady had the same experience that Lauren did.

We are pleased to announce that fourpoints was the first recipient of the newly minted Footprints Award at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant this month.

Kim Parrish, President of MAOTeen, presented the award to Jennifer Reeves and Julie Anne Long at the Evening of Stars event during pageant week.

“We have enjoyed watching our relationship with fourpoints grow over the years,” said Kim. “Whenever we go to fourpoints with an idea, they are ready and willing to help us make it happen.”

In addition to sponsoring the tradeshow at the pageant, fourpoints presented at the Teens in Training Camp seminar. Serendipity Publishing also designed the 2012 program book for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen.

“We are extremely honored to have received this award,” said Kasie Smith, president and publisher of Serendipity Publishing. “Our relationship with MAOTeen has only improved over the last seven years, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

This morning, our reigning Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011 Lacey Russ took some time to sign autographs at our tradeshow booth. I also had a few moments to chat with her about her year of service and her advice to the next MAOTeen.

"Like" our new Facebook page!