High school senior Lauren Molella is college bound with $69,000 in scholarships thanks to the Miss New York Outstanding Teen program.

Lauren entered the MNYOT program in June 2011, and caught the judges' attention. Although she did not win the national title last summer, she was the recipient of the Chancellor's Award in recognition of Scholarly Achievement and Outstanding Accomplishments from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. The award came with a $61,000 scholarship. 

On a college visit, Lauren auditioned for the University's dance repertory ensemble and was awarded an additional $8,000. At the time, Lauren was just 16 years old.

“I emphatically thank everyone affiliated with MAOTeen pageant for all the opportunities afforded me including my education at Troy," Lauren said. "Thank you Troy University for accepting me not only to the school, but also to your fantastic dance program.”

Lauren couldn’t believe all this was made possible through Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program. While visiting Troy University, she was thrilled with the college’s curriculum, the degree program she will pursue, and, of course, the beautiful campus and surrounding areas. Promptly Lauren decided Troy University was to be her new home. She will major in Pre-Med.

“I looked for a long time for the perfect college for me and I just hadn't found any college that seemed to have everything I wanted," Lauren said. "Troy had all of these options, a gorgeous campus, and everywhere I turned I met the kindest, and most helpful people. All those facts combined with the great weather led me to accept my scholarship at Troy.

Lauren completed advanced placement courses during high school, and as a senior, she went full-time to community college to earn an Associate's degree in science.

Source: Lauren Molella

Prom dresses are taking a second spin on the dance floor thanks to MAOTeen 2011 Elizabeth Fechtel and nonprofit organizations in Florida. Gently used prom dresses donated to Loft 181 on behalf of Caitlin's Closet will be collected this month, and given away to teenage girls in foster care.

"Ask any girl, and she will tell you that half the fun of going to prom is the process of getting ready and figuring out what to wear," Elizabeth says. "As a senior in high school, I know there are many girls who feel held back from attending prom because of financial reasons. Prom is the highlight of the year, and I am proud to support such a rewarding cause."

Another former MAOT, Caitlin Brunell, founded Caitlin's Closet, and collected more than nine thousand prom dresses to donate to girls in need. To donate your prom or cocktail dress or pageant gown, mail it by March 10 to

MAOTeen, Inc.
℅ Elizabeth Fechtel
13911 W Hillsborough Ave Ste 168
Tampa, FL 33635

If you are a current or former titleholder, include a headshot and a message for the teens. Prom accessories will also be accepted. Include the value of the donation to receive a tax receipt.

E-mail for more information.

Source: MAOTeen Photo: Jenn Cady

There's nothing like a very sweet, very public display of Valentine's Day affection, and for Kristin Black, the holiday came a little early. The Home Shopping Network was the scene for Kristin's proposal to her long-time boyfriend, Mike, who works for HSN. See the proposal here! 

Kristin is the Miss America Organization Outstanding Teen Director of Operations.

Click in to meet the final preliminary award winners during pageant week in Orlando!

I don't know if you've heard, but so far 9 former Outstanding Teens have been crowned as Misses and will be vying for the title of Miss America in 2012. The titleholders in thsese states are double crown winners: Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Georgia, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Texas and Kentucky. I cannot imagine how exciting it is for these young women, and for MAOT, to be succesful in the next level of competition. I have hoped that we would see more and more OTs becoming Misses and now that a "generation" has passed, we are seeing it happen!

Do you suppose that competing at the OT level prepared these young ladies for the state level, or are the two competitions so different that it wouldn't make a difference? What are your thoughts?

13 -year-old Sophia Hadeka of Fair Haven walked the runway as the seventh Miss Vermont's  Outstanding Teen on Saturday night in the Performing Arts Center at South Burlington High School in South Burlington, VT. This historic crowning moment marked her first steps on a journey that will take her across the state promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, community involvement and healthy living for our nation's youth.  Hadeka, who just turned 13 in May, is the youngest Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen in the history of the competition.

After receiving her new title, Hadeka shared, "I am honored to begin my year of service as the new Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen.  I want to reach out to Vermonters on a personal level to share my enthusiasm and excitement about my platform: encouraging young girls to find who they are.."

Hadeka  receives $4,250 in scholarships, over $7,000 in prizes, and the opportunity to compete for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen title in Orlando, Florida on August 20, 2011.

The Fair Haven Grade School student is active in chorus, spelling bee, softball, basketball, soccer and dance.  She plans to attend Duke University and pursue a career in law.  Hadeka says she hopes to one day become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Susan J. Lackey, president of the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization, commented on the new Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen. “We are pleased to begin working with Sophia. She possesses so many wonderful qualities: leadership, intelligence, maturity, poise, and grace."

A number of other contestants received scholarship awards during the final and preliminary competitions, including:

First Runner-Up -      Jenny Rehkugler of Charlotte
Second Runner-Up -  Jhai Sutton of St. Albans
Third Runner-Up - Caroline Jones of Shelburne
Miss Vermont Outstanding Teen Spirit Award - Courtney Billings of Colchester
Children's Miracle Network Teen Miracle Maker Award - Sophia Hadeka of Fair Haven

Brianna DeCamp was crowned Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen, 2011, tonight at the Zionsville High School Performing Arts Center in  Zionsville, Indiana.

Twenty-two young women between the ages of 13 and 17, from all over Indiana, competed tonight in talent, active wear, evening wear and onstage question, as well as a private interview held with judges earlier today.

Brianna, Miss Limberlost’s Outstanding Teen is 17 and a student at East Noble High School in Kendallville. Brianna tap danced in the talent competition and her platform is “Mission Impossible: Building Hope in Others’ Lives.” Brianna will now go on to represent Indiana at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando in August.

First runner-up was Madison Seifert, 16, Miss Northeast’s Outstanding Teen, 2nd runner-up was Audrey Ferguson, 13, Miss Banks of the Wabash’s Outstanding Teen, 3rd runner-up was Madeline Coffey, 14, Miss Harvest Homecoming’s Outstanding Teen and 4th runner-up was Rebecca Kain, 17, Miss Duneland’s Outstanding Teen.  

The People’s Choice Winner, earning a spot in the Top 10 for receiving the most online votes, was Ashley Zeiner, 16, Miss Fort Wayne’s Outstanding Teen. The remaining members of the top ten were Kilie Hoffa, 17, Miss Crossroads to America’s Outstanding Teen, Brianna Barmes, 15, Miss Hoosier Heartland’s Outstanding Teen, Taylor Knox, 16, Miss Three Rivers Festival’s Outstanding Teen and Samantha Hayes, 17, Miss Central Indiana’s Outstanding Teen.

Other awards were presented to Haley Hackman, 17, Miss Southern Heartland’s Outstanding Teen for Scholastic Achievement, Brianna DeCamp for Talent and Overall Fitness, Kilie Hoffa for Interview, Brianna Barmes won the Childrens Miracle Network “Miracle Maker” Award and Audrey Ferguson won the Hoosier Spirit Award.

Patrons were asked to “Vote for a Cause” by voting for their favorite Teen platform by stuffing jars in the lobby. The winner was Madison Boldry, 15, Miss South Bend’s Outstanding Teen. All the money collected will be donated to Madison’s platform, “Desire to Inspire.”

Katelyn Marak, Miss Indiana’s Outstanding Teen 2010 passed on the crown tonight. Katelyn, 17, of Kouts, will be a senior at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Indiana. Katelyn was a Top Ten Finalist at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen last August.

Katelyn also presented a new award called, “Kreating Hop,” presented to the Teen contestant who accumulated the most hours volunteering for a cause. The winner was Kiersten Lieurance, 15, Miss Collegiate North’s Outstanding Teen.

Finally Madison Seifert won the “Joy of Life” award, presented in honor and memory of Joy Robbins who was a great friend and volunteer to the Miss Indiana program for many years.

JM Best Entertainment to produce 2012 MAOT Pageant.

About a month ago, Teens in Training Camp teamed up with thePageantGuy.com and launched a free registration contest to award one lucky teen entry into this summer’s Teens in Training Camp.  The contestants had to submit a photo and brief statement describing why they thought they should win the contest, which were then both posted on thePageantGuy.com’s Facebook page.  For a couple weeks, the public voted for their favorite contestant, which determined our Top 10 Finalists.  Now, we have 10 extremely beautiful and talented teens who need your help to win the spot at TNT Camp.  You can help them win the top spot by voting for them on Facebook until April 30^th, 2011.  All you have to do to vote is go to thePageantGuy.com’s Facebook page and “Like” your favorite contestant’s photo in the Teens in Training Camp Contest album.  You can also check out some awesome videos of MAOTeen Lacey Russ, the 2011 Outstanding Teen Contestants, and the National Princesses at Miss America on thePageantGuy.com’s page and website.  Trust me, you want to check it out!

Now, let’s talk prizes.  The girl who finishes with the most votes wins free registration for Teens in Training Camp, but she won’t be the only one who walks away with a prize.  Each Top 10 Finalist will receive a $25 gift certificate toward a cocktail dress or evening gown and free matching earrings from our contest sponsor, La Casa Hermosa.  I am so excited about this fabulous prize for our Top 10 and am very grateful to La Casa Hermosa for their support and generosity.  Not only is La Casa Hermosa our Free Registration Contest sponsor, but they are also going to be joining us for Camp this summer.  Fashion stylist Robin Fleming and the La Casa Hermosa styling team will be teaching workshops and hosting events that will give participants the opportunity to learn style tips and techniques from the best in the business!

So as you can see, we’ve been busy at Teens in Training Camp and I hope it gets you excited for this summer.  However, I haven’t forgotten this post’s tip for success that, in fact, comes from our very own Robin Fleming.  This tip will not only give you advice on how to be your own fashionista, but it will also give you another ingredient to add to your recipe for success.  So here it is.

Tip #2: Use style savvy fashionistas as personal inspiration, rather than copy exactly what someone else may be wearing.  The biggest mistake a young woman can make in fashion today is copy the previous 'winner' or a big-name celebrity, or in fact, copy anyone.  To be a copy is to be a poor version of an original.   To be an original, is to be true to your inner self.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to vote for your favorite contestant!  Stay tuned for my next post!

Sincerely,

Tawni

2011 Miss Klamath County Outstanding Teen, Amanda Gatz was recently named Volunteer of the Year for her extensive and exceptional community involvement. Gatz, just 15 years old, says her passion is child abuse prevention, and donates her time advocating against child abuse. She encouraged others in their community to find their passion, and help make Klamath County a better place in the process.

“Get out there,” said Gatz. “It pays off to do something you really believe in.”

Gatz has been an important member of the Klamath Chapter of the Hands and Words Are Not For Huting Project, an Oregon-based child abuse prevention group. She has also collected over 5,000 empty cans, donating the money to help child abuse prevention causes.

She could hardly believe her ears when she heard she had been named Klamath County Volunteer of the Year, but said winning the award was one of the greatest thrills of her life, and a huge honor.