The Miss America Organization and ABC announced that Chris Harrison will host the Miss America Competition, live from the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, on Sunday, September 15  (9-11 p.m., ET), on ABC. Harrison has hosted the live telecast for the past four years, and this year Lara Spencer, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, will co-host. The 2013 Miss America broadcast drew ABC’s biggest nonsports audience in the time slot, reaching millions of new viewers nationwide. Harrison first hosted the broadcast on ABC in 2004, and returned in 2010 for Miss America's ninetieth anniversary.

Risa Mitchell
Miss Allen

After a recent interview for an article in fourpoints' next issue, I was thinking about the challenges that face contestants today. Many titleholders step into the spotlight on stage and remain there long after their year of service is done. As public figures, and as representatives of the Miss America Organization, poise relates to style. But more than ever, it also reflects an organization's consistency of brand. Titleholders not only demonstrate the mission of their organization, but also that of their own belief systems. 

In many ways, society has become more understanding and open to ideas and opinions that are different from our own. But when titleholders are called upon to express their opinions, how do they address sensitive topics diplomatically while remaining true to their convictions? 

What challenges face the members of your organization, whether they be contestants, titleholders, volunteers, or members of the board of directors? How is your local or state pageant preparing young women to stand up for what they believe in the face of scrutiny? 

Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer

Miss America and Catalina are pleased to announce the launch of a two-month promotional tour with Miss America and the 2013 Miss America contestants at ninety-six Walmart locations throughout the country. The promotional tour, "On the Road with Miss America," promotes the Miss America by Catalina swimwear collection available exclusively at Walmart, and will run through June.

Miss America's Outstanding Teen is pleased to announce Dr. Glenn Harman as the sponsor for two instrumentalist awards that will be awarded at the 2013 Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition this August. The top two instrumentalist talent scores from the preliminary nights of competition will each be eligible for the $500 award. 

As a longtime supporter of the Miss America Organization, Dr. Harman began his involvement with MAOTeen in 2006 as a judge for the national competition. Since then, Harman has supported the MAOTeen Organization through volunteer work and monetary donations. Harman has also sponsored several appearances for MAOTeen, including Relay for Life and Music is Good Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

"I have always been incredibly impressed with the level of talent at the MAOTeen pageant," said Harman. "As an instrumental musician, I like to recognize and honor the best instrumentalists. Therefore, it has been my great pleasure to sponsor these scholarships." 

A seasoned musician, Harman plays the oboe, English horn, and the piano.  

For more information on how to become a sponsor for the 2013 Miss America's Outstanding Teen competition, contact Kim at Kim@MAOTeen.org.

Source: MAOTeen Photo: Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen 2012 Jessica Richards received a $500 instrumental talent award at the 2013 MAOTeen pageant. Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen 2012 Lauren Bohl also received a $500 instrumental talent award. 

Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization is pleased to announce Elizabeth McGlynn, Professional Pageant Preparation, LLC, as the sponsor of this year's Teens in Action Award. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a contestant based on her platform.

Miss Southern West Virginia's Outstanding Teen Krystian Leonard will debut her children's book, Shining Scars, at the BookExpo America in New York City this month, where she will also be available to attendees for book signings.

When she talks about her platform, Miss Alabama 2012 Anna Laura Bryan tears up. And it is with this passion that she describes her love of working with autistic children and animals in hope of a more productive and enlightened future for all who are allowed service dogs in the classroom.

Miss America's Outstanding Teen announces Valerie Hayes, The Pageant Coach as the 2013 Non-Finalist Interview Scholarship provider and the 2013 Community Service Award for Children's Miracle Network scholarship provider. The $500 interview scholarship will be awarded to the contestant (not placing in the semifinals) who receives the highest interview score during the 2013 competition, which will be held August 13-17, 2013, in Orlando, Florida. The $1,000 community service scholarship will  be provided to the contestant who raises the most funds for Children's Miracle Network. 

Valerie Hayes, The Pageant Coach is the host of the radio talk show Pageant Talk Radio and has coached several local, state, and national titleholders in various pageant systems. On Pageant Talk Radio, Valerie covers topics such as having a winning interview, planning a great year of service, and taking what you learn in pageantry and applying it to everyday life.

"I'm thrilled to be supporting the leadership development and academic achievement efforts of Miss America's Outstanding Teen," Valerie said. “Everyone involved in the program, from the contestants and titleholders to the directors and volunteers, are focused on one thing: providing the premier personal development program for today's young women. My coaching practice is built around mentoring women to develop life skills that lead to success, which is consistent with the goals and values of the Miss America's Outstanding Teen program.”

In addition to her sponsorship of this year's Non-Finalist Interview and Community Service scholarships, Valerie will also sponsor the Medieval Times event for the 2013 MAOTeen contestants. 

To learn more about Valerie, please visit her website. 

If you would like to become a sponsor for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, please e-mail Jessica@MAOTeen.org.

Source: MAOTeen

Kentucky Derby week was full of exciting activities and pre-Derby events for Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, sponsored by Miss America's wardrobe provider, Joseph Ribkoff. Some of the fashion events and special highlights included Mallory stepping into the spotlight, walking the red carpets, and conducting media interviews along with her Miss America sister Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000.