Scholarship, in particular, was recognized as a pillar of the organization on Thursday night. Offering $25,000 in cash scholarships to Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2014 and millions of dollars worth of in-kind scholarship to date, the MAOTeen 2013 competition recognized three titleholders as recipients of $500 scholarships. The preliminary scholarship for lifestyle and fitness was awarded to Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Tess Mandoli.

Another preliminary scholarship for talent was awarded to Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen Julia Smith.

Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen Ashten Vincent took home the third preliminary scholarship for on-stage question and evening wear.

The Scholastic Excellence Award, provided by Crown Clips and Mary Bocchicchio, in the amount of $1,000 was awarded to Miss Rhode Island's Outstanding Teen Heather Shen for her 4.92 GPA.

The Outstanding Achievement in Academic Life, provided by Bob Arnhym, in the amount of $1,000 was awarded to both Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen Emili McPhail and Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen Brook Sill.

In-kind college scholarships were presented by several nationwide university partners Thursday night. Chairman of the MAOTeen Board Donna Bozarth told audience members that by the end of this year, the organization will have paid out three quarters of a million dollars to more than 150 colleges and universities across the country—at least one school in each state.

Auburn University presented four scholarships to teen titleholders. A four-year renewable scholarship up to full tuition will be presented to the teen who wins the MAOTeen 2014 crown, as well as to Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen Jessica Procter. A four-year renewable scholarship up to $15,000 was presented to Miss Rhode Island's Outstanding Teen Heather Shen. A $15,000 renewable scholarship is available to all state contestants that meet the requirements and apply.

The University of New Haven will present Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2014 with a $5,000 renewable scholarship.

Hollins University will present a full-tuition scholarship to Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2014 as well as to Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen Cassie Donegan.

The University of San Diego, who is working with MAOTeen for the first time this year, will provide a $25,000 renewable scholarship to the most qualified contestant that applies and meets requirements set forth by the university.

The University of Alabama will present Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2014 will a scholarship for four years of tuition, a $5,000 freshman housing scholarship, and a $5,000 study abroad stipend. State winners that have a 32 ACT score and a 3.5 GPA or higher also qualify for a four year tuition scholarship.

Troy University awarded Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen Kristin Boxman and Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Leah Sykes with the Excellence In Leadership Award—a $7,000 renewable scholarship including full tuition and out-of-state fees. The Chancellor's Award, including a full tuition renewable scholarship and out-of-state fees totaling $60,000 was awarded to Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen Emili McPhail, Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen Tessa Shelton, and Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen Jessica Procter. Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen Olivia Thoroughman and Miss Rhode Island's Outstanding Teen Heather Shen were each awarded a renewable full tuition scholarship including out-of-state fees and room and board.

Nova Southeastern University presented Miss West Virginia's Outstanding Teen Emily Lopez with a $10,000 four year renewable scholarship and admittance into the Razor's Edge Leadership Scholarship Program.

Stay tuned right here for results of the final night of MAOTeen 2013 competition Saturday night at 6 p.m.!

Written by: Erika Rose is fourpoints magazine's staff writer.