In the end only one teen wears the crown, but there were fifty-three smiles worn on stage Saturday night. Surrounded by friends from states across the nation, Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Rachel Yuki Wyatt was crowned Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013.

Unlike preliminary competitions held throughout the week, Saturday night finals walked contestants through a new routine. A Top Twelve group was singled out right away including judges’ top ten picks and two contestants selected in the America’s Choice voting contest-Miss New Mexico’s Outstanding Teen, Natalie Benson and Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Janae Calaway. America’s Choice winners each received a $1,000 scholarship.

The remaining top twelve contestants were: Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly, Miss Oklahoma’s Outstanding Teen, Julianne Thomison, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, Jaine Coann LeFebvre, Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen, Molly May, Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen, Margana Wood, Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Andolyn Medina, Miss Maryland’s Outstanding Teen, Kennedy Taylor, Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Rachel Yuki Wyatt, Miss California’s Outstanding Teen, Grace Lee Grant, and Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen, Laura Leigh Turner.

The fourth runner up, Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. The third runner up, Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. The second runner up, Miss Arkansas’ Outstanding Teen, was awarded an $8,000 scholarship. The first runner up, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, was awarded a $12,000, and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2013 Rachel Yuki Wyatt was awarded a $25,000 scholarship.

Among other awards given during the awards ceremony and after party following the program was the Jenn Cady Miss Photogenic scholarship in the amount of $500. The award was given to Miss Wyoming’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Power. In addition, she will be featured on the cover of fourpoints magazine in February.

Two new scholarships were awarded this year for talent in the instrumental arts. Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Richards and Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, Lauren Bohl received these scholarships for their piano performances.

Other scholarships:

• $1,000 for scholastic excellence was awarded to Miss Colorado’s Outstanding Teen, Molly Casey for her 4.9 GPA. She is number one in her class.
• $1,000 for academic achievement based on GPA and resume was awarded to Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly.
• $1,000 for community service and work with the Children’s Miracle Network was awarded to Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Morgan Breeden
• Top Ad Sales scholarship recipients included Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen, Margana Wood who received $1,000; Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly who received $1,000, and Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Janae Calaway who received $1,500.
• $1,000 was awarded to Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, Shannon Ryan for the Spirit of America Award.
• $500 was awarded to Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Andolyn Medina for Teens in Action.
• $500 was awarded to Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Richards for non-finalist evening gown.
• $500 was awarded to Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen, Haley Butler for non-finalist interview.
• Several other scholarships were awarded to contestants from Auburn University, Troy University, Hollins University, and Nova Southeastern University. Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen Andolyn Medina, Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen Molly Casey, and Miss South Carolina's Oustanding Teen Rachel Yuki Wyatt were awarded full ride scholarships to Hollins University.
  

As the evening concluded for MAOTeen contestants, attendees, and enthusiasts, the year is only just beginning for Rachel Yuki Wyatt. Through tears she thanked her fellow contestants, her home state’s organization, and most of all, her family.

“Thank you all so much,” she said. “I’m so excited about this up-coming year.”

Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer. Photo: Allen Dye