This year, the calendar was filled with wonderful photo shoots and filming opportunities to showcase our Miss America contestants meeting for the very first time.   They  will soon meet again for the 2012 Miss America Pageant at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 14 live on ABC!

The contestants’ first official event began on Wednesday evening at the second night of preliminary competition for MAOTeen.  Then, bright and early Thursday morning, the contestants started  filming their 60-second segments with Tall Pony Productions for the 2012 Miss America Pageant.  Each contestant had an opportunity to let their individuality and personality shine through as they demonstrated to America why they should be your next Miss America. Stay tuned for details on these videos!

Thursday evening, Miss Florida’s State Executive Director, Mary Sullivan and our two very gracious sponsors, David Lang and Carry O’Neal from Regalia Magnificent Apparel, hosted an elegant, private dinner at Maggiano’s. Our contestants had the opportunity to get to know one another while enjoying a delicious dinner of signature Italian dishes prepared especially for them.

The Class of 2012 and Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan made some Disney Memories of their own at the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World on Friday, where they were filmed touring the attractions and enjoyed the thrills of the world-famous parks' most magical rides.  They enjoy highlights such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, Tower of Terror and more. The contestants had a wonderful time making new memories together as they continued to nurture their new friendships. 

For the first year, a special night was hosted by LaVoyce and Lanier Porter on Friday evening at their son Leman and his wife Emily's magnificent estate in Longwood, FL. Our contestants were dazzling, and Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan mingled with the guests and the sponsors of the evening.  There was a surprise performance by the Atlantic City Boys who performed their signature songs to the crowd.

Finally, on Saturday evening, the contestants gathered for an autograph session that was open to the public.  The crowning event of the evening was when Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2012 was announced. The title was awarded to a very excited Elizabeth Fechtel, Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen.

The Miss America Organization proudly thanks all of our supporters, our sponsors, our state Executive Directors and our contestants for making this trip to Orlando so memorable.  We wish our contestants the very best as they prepare for their journey to the 2012 Miss America Pageant!

To see more photos of the 2012 Contestants from MAOTeen week, visit the MAOTeen Facebook page!