There are several young women from the area competiting for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen this week. The Observer asked the contestants some questions about themselves.
Miss Connecticuts Outstanding Teen 2016 will be held this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret, Uncasville.
The competition is for girls ages 13 to 17. The stage show will include competition in fitness, talent, and evening wear
Tickets are $50.
For tickets, call (860) 862-TIXX(8499) or (888) 226-7711.
Name- Jaymie Bianca (of Bristol)
Age- 17
Miss Windham County’s Outstanding Teen
Why do you think you should the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I understand that Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen is more than just a title. It is more than merely riding in parades and posing for photos. Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen is a full time job. With this title, I will promote my platform- “Providing Sports and Recreational Opportunities for People with Disabilities” on a statewide level. I plan to work with and establish programs for individuals with disabilities all across the state. I also intend to promote the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization as a whole, and support their national platform- Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I should be the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen because I understand my position as an advocate, businesswoman, and role model. I will utilize the crown as my microphone, and spread awareness about my platform, the national platform, and the benefits of being involved with this organization.
Besides competing on stage, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to the state pageant?
I am definitely looking forward to spending time with my Outstanding Teen sisters. Through this organization, I have met some of the most kind, caring, driven, and motivated young women. I cannot wait to spend time with my sisters and create friendships that will last a lifetime. Contrary to numerous beliefs, the women in this organization are a part of a sisterhood, and our intention is to always lift each other up, not tear each other down.
Part of the competition happens behind closed doors… the private interview with the judges. When you walk out the door after your time before the judges, what impression do you think you’ll leave with them?
I believe I’ll leave the impression of a compassionate, determined, motivated, and enthusiastic young women who is ready for the job of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen. Based off my interview, the judges will see that I have worked diligently to be in the position I am today, and will see the work that I have completed for my platform and sense my inspired disposition to continue to work and progress. I have never stopped dreaming, believing, or envisioning that crowning moment that every girl dreams of. I hope to leave the impression of an inspired young girl who became a hard working young woman who never ceases to continue pursing her aspirations.
Mike Chaiken
Name: Alyssa Daly (of Bristol)
Age: 16
Miss Plantsville’s Outstanding Teen
Why do you think you should be the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I believe I should be the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen because I am a very hard worker and when I set my mind to something I always accomplish it to my fullest potential. I also believe I would be a very positive role model for all of the young girls in our state.
Besides competing on stage, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to the state pageant?
I am looking forward to the whole atmosphere of the weekend. I have never been a part of anything this big before and I am really looking forward to all the excitement of the entire event.
Part of the competition happens behind closed doors…the private interview with the judges. When you walk out the door after your time before the judges, what impression do you think you’ll leave with them?
My goal with my interview is to have the judges see me as an active young lady who puts 110 percent in everything she does— leaving them with the impression that I am ready to fulfill all of the expectations as a title holder in the Miss America Organization.
Mike Chaiken
Allison Duffy (of Burlington)
Age: 16
Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen
Why do you think you should be the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I think that I should be the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen because I am so passionate about community service. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved giving back to the community. If I was given the opportunity to hold the state title, I would be able to spread my love of community service and giving back to everyone in the state, which would be a dream come true.
Besides competing on stage, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to the state pageant?
Last year, I was fortunate enough to make amazing friendships at the state pageant. So, this year I am excited to spend time with all the girls to strengthen existing, and form new friendships.
Part of the competition happens behind closed doors… the private interview with the judges. When you walk out the door after your time before the judges, what impression do you think you’ll leave with them?
I hope that after my interview with the judges I have shown them my dedication to this program and they are left with the impression of how hardworking I am. Throughout my life, I have been faced with many struggles but have never given up on anything.
Mike Chaiken
Taylor Plourd (of Bristol)
Age: 15
Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen
Why do you think you should the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I think I should be the next Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen because I am ready to take on the challenging, but amazing task of representing Connecticut. I have many ideas to help the children and adults of CT through promoting my platform, “Volunteering: Getting Involved in your Community.”
Besides competing on stage, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to the state pageant?
Well, I love meeting new people and I am most looking forward to spending time with the other title holders and making friendships that will last a lifetime.
Part of the competition happens behind closed doors… the private interview with the judges. When you walk out the door after your time before the judges, what impression do you think you’ll leave with them?
That I was an intelligient young lady that has volunteered at many events in Bristol and is ready to help more communities and make Connecticut grow with her positive attitude and outgoing personality.
Mike Chaiken
Gabrielle Sturgeon (of North Granby)
Age: 15
Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen
Why do you think you should the next Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I think I should be the new Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen because I would really like to promote my platform, “Kids for Kids: Dancing for Life. Not only will I spread it throughout the Southington area, but I would be able to spread awareness about helping your community to the whole state, and that’s very important to me.
Besides competing on stage, what are you most looking forward to when it comes to the state pageant?
I am looking forward to the bonding. My sister, Danielle Sturgeon who competed for Miss Connecticut last year, said that that was the best part. I’m extremely excited to get to know all of my sister queens even better than I already do. I have sister queens from when I competed as a junior and I still talk to them today.
Part of the competition happens behind closed doors… the private interview with the judges. When you walk out the door after your time before the judges, what impression do you think you’ll leave with them?
I hope to leave them with some inspiration. I have done so much with my community using my platform like collecting toys for a toy drive, donating diapers for a diaper drive, and the list goes on. I also had a charity in fourth grade called “Coloring for Cancer” to spread awareness about kidney cancer. I hope to inspire them to do something good for their community, it could be as simple as donating a toy.
Mike Chaiken
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
