Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan appeared at a special event with HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and MAO Chairman, Sam Haskell, at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. last night. This week they will be participating in events for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - USA. This program is designed to build confidence, motivation and self-worth in youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 25.

Miss America highlighted our national partnership between the U.S. Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Miss America Organization.  Once a year, Sam Haskell, Chairman of the Miss America Board and President of the U.S. Duke of Edinburgh Award, arranges for Miss America to join His Royal Highness for promotional and fundraising activities for the award.

This particular visit has been a three city tour to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and New York.  The event in Washington D.C. was hosted at the Capitol and the guest list included U.S. Senators Legislators, Ambassadors, and White House staff .  The next day was followed by incredible events in Baltimore with Living Classrooms, Cal Ripkin Foundation, United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters - all hosted by U.S. Award Board member Todd Ruppert.

The events for the week culminate with a Royal Gala at the Pierre Hotel, in New York, where Teresa will join HRH The Prince Edward, Whoopi Goldberg, Kirstie Alley, Marilu Henner, Lucie Arnaz, Laurence Luckinbill, and the cast of Billy Elliott!