Throughout the past several months that I have been writing for fourpoints magazine, I’ve interviewed and gotten to know so many wonderful people involved in the Miss America Organization, and its little sisters Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Often as my co-workers can tell you, I end phone interviews with a big grin and tearful eyes. I hear so many stories about how this organization has touched people’s lives.

This week at MAOTeen, I’ve had the opportunity to put faces with names, and what’s more, the chance to convey how grateful I am to those who have shared intimate details of their lives with me. From Texas to New Jersey, from Wisconsin to Florida, contestants, executive board members, and volunteers are more than a phone number or list of names. They’re a family. Thank you for welcoming me and making me a party of that.

Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer. Photo: Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler, Erika Fifelski, Laura's traveling companion