You Do Not Need a Crown

By Christa Steiner

The road to Miss Connecticut was far from glamorous. It was the culmination of a life's work, in and out of pageantry.

I grew up just outside of Atlantic City, in the land of Miss America. My parents are theatre producers who produced shows in the casinos, so my early years came wrapped in glitz: showgirls, bright lights, and of course, Miss America. I always wanted to be glamorous. There was such strength in watching someone stand onstage as exactly who they were, and such power, too.

I was an awkward, tall, lanky child, and I stuck out like a sore thumb. Discovering I was gay only sharpened the feeling of being an outsider. At seven years old, confiding in my best friend felt safe. However, she did not understand what being gay meant, and out of fear, she handed my secret to the entire school. I was made to feel at that moment that who I was wasn't okay, and pieces of me would have to stay hidden in order to be successful in this world.

Acceptance never came back at school. I kept looking for a place that would welcome me, a community I could belong to. Performing in music and theatre helped to cultivate that sense of community. However, I didn’t feel fully embraced as a person, and I searched for something larger.

Then came Miss America.

Finding a community

I was sixteen and aching to belong when Mallory Hagan's interviews came across my television screen. Growing up in and around Atlantic City had never once put me in contact with the Miss America Organization beyond the spectator's seat.
My mother had a rule. You do not get to have an opinion about something unless you have seen it or done it. I wanted an opinion about Miss America, so I signed up for a local competition.

What I found was an incredible community of women spanning generations, all of them committed to empowering one another and to showing young girls that hard work and dedication could carry them anywhere they wanted to go.From there, I was invested and wanted to build myself in this program and become a state titleholder who embodied those values.

Then life happened. 

Senior year of college demanded attention, and so did paying the bills. COVID struck during the tenure of my 2020 local title, and competitions were suspended seemingly indefinitely. My own life took a turn at the same time. I stepped back from the organization to find out who Christa was. Goodbye was never the intention. It was a "see you later."

That "see you later" stretched into a seven-year discovery journey. I traveled from New York to Philadelphia, and Philadelphia to Toronto. I held several positions in several fields, and my heart was broken more than once. At the end of that stretch came an inpatient facility, a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, and a need to become sober.

Those seven years, and truly my entire teenage and young adult life, had been one long search for the source of my pain. When I finally received my diagnosis, a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Finally there was an answer, and a set of steps that could actually improve my health. I spent the first year of recovery learning everything I could about my conditions, and the second relearning how to live in the world with a new perspective.

Once stability arrived, I knew my next step: make this path easier for the people coming behind me.

Resources for mental health and recovery are not as widespread as they should be, and they are certainly not accessible. Information is difficult to come by. Cost and location are only two of the many barriers. I had the privilege of an education and a family willing to advocate for me and fund my recovery, while most people do not. Even with extensive resources at my disposal, bipolar disorder and addiction are no joke. These are hard conditions to live with. If recovery was this difficult for me, how much harder is it for someone with far less access to care?

That question became my cause. What could I do that would help close this gap? My immediate thought was: "Miss America."

The Miss America Organization is the most accessible opportunity for young women in this country to advocate for the causes that matter to them. I knew that if I poured myself into this organization and into my advocacy, Miss America could help me make a real impact in my state, and hopefully in the country.

Coming home to Connecticut

I have lived in Connecticut since November of 2023, and I have been in the entertainment industry for most of my life. My mother is a stage manager, my father a three-time Broadway veteran, and now they are both theatre producers. Becoming a musician and a performer was destiny.

Stepping back onstage right after my diagnosis, though, was out of the question. I needed more time to recover before I could cross that bridge. I had taken classes in theatrical hair and makeup in college with Broadway's J. Jared Janas, currently the hair and makeup supervisor for Wicked. Working with wigs came naturally to me, and seemed a good stepping stone to get back to work in the theatre. My call went something like this: "I need help. I need a job." Amazing and gracious as he is, Jared connected me with the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. My first show was Dreamgirls. As a fan of Michael Bennett, I was thrilled.

East Haddam turned out to be an incredible small-town community of folks that made me feel welcomed and cared for. I fell in love with the community, and the semi-rural atmosphere. It turns out I was made to live among the cows and the trees. The peace was instant. I finally felt like I was home.

Showing up as myself

Living here made Miss Connecticut the title to pursue, and our incredible board welcomed me right away. Earlier in my pageant journey, the advice had been to change who I was in order to be successful. Wear certain colors. Do not get tattoos. And certainly do not tell people you are a lesbian.

My very first conversation was with board member and forever Miss Connecticut Jillian Duffy, who heard those experiences and instantly refuted every one of them. Here in Connecticut, they wanted me to show up as me. Individuality and authenticity, as it turns out, are strengths.

I also knew that my year as Miss Constitution State would be built on radical honesty about my recovery. I had to be upfront about who I am and how I move through the world. That year belonged to people and to the connections worth making. A keynote at the Join Rise Be Youth Leadership Conference. A run of events and performances with Prism Counseling. A press conference with Governor Ned Lamont on mental health parity and equity.

By the time I reached the Miss Connecticut stage, I felt like I had already won. People here have seen that significant adversity does not have to be the end of the story, and that you can hand your lived experience forward so the next person receives the gifts you were given.

What I want you to take from this

I am humbled that the judges saw that in me and awarded me this platform to continue the work. But one thing deserves to be said plainly: you do not need a crown to make a difference.

The unsung heroes have made the most difference in my life. They are the ones who show up every single day with an open ear and an open heart, who pick up the phone and have coffee with me. I've learned the importance of service, and that it helps to keep me sober. Doing this work as Miss Connecticut is a gift. Getting to do it every day for the rest of my life is the bigger one.

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Photo by Jessielyn Palumbo

Christa Steiner is the current Miss Connecticut. You can follow her on her Instagram. You should also visit her website.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Growing Through Competition

By Jillian Young

Hi, I’m Jillian Young the founder of Press for the Best
As a first year MAO contestant, I have been challenged to grow and believe in myself in so many different ways. Although I am not yet a title holder, I have embraced this opportunity as a tool to grow whether that is interviewing skills, learning from incredible and inspiring young woman around me, or continuing to build Press for the Best and my goal and commitment to creating a safe and positive digital environment for all.

But beyond my independent commitments, I make sure to prioritize preparation. One of my favorite way to do so is visiting local thrift stores and small businesses for Dresses, shoes, and jewelry. Or using resources like friends and community

members kind enough to share their dresses in support of my journey. I used my own personal and independent goals and commitments to build a stronger digital community and now have the honor of sharing these with the judges and audience! I hope to encourage all young women interested in the MAO experience to utilize your community recourses, remember your mind is worth millions, and to never limit yourself.

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Jillian Young is currently competing within the Miss Indiana Org. You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Reaching for a World Beyond Food Insecurity

By: Ana Quian

Numbers are important to me. They always have been. Like so many people, I am deeply interested in what it takes to achieve a goal. I like math and economics. I enjoy studying the law and I am good at establishing a persuasive statement. It is not only the people but the numbers that show us that we as Americans can wait no longer to address the issue of food insecurity in the United States.

Food is more than food.  Most of us know that. Food represents love and sustenance, but also security. 1 in 7 Americans today live without the security of knowing where their food will come from.  This reality not only disproportionality impacts Indigenous Americans and People of Color.  It is more serious among children with 1 in 5 children in our country being food insecure. The impacts of food insecurity also impede the lives of the individuals who sacrifice so much for our country. 1 in 9 working-age veterans are food insecure.

With these facts considered, it is easy to feel daunted by the reality of hunger in our nation, but there is so much we can do to bring change. Through consistency in advocacy, volunteerism, and charitable giving, we can support the organizations in our state and our nation who are already on the ground getting food to the people who need it most.  When organizations such as Feeding America, The Campaign Against Hunger, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine get more resources, they are able to scale up their operations and serve more people in need. 

I have frequently called New Yorkers to “reach” beyond food insecurity.  I say this because a future without hunger will not arrive on its own.  We have to make it a reality. Over my years of volunteerism with organizations including Food Bank for NYC and the Coalition for the Homeless, I have directed over 11,000 pounds of food to the New Yorkers who need it most. I did this by enmeshing my efforts into my life. Use what you have. I use my Communications  education and my voice to advocate for food justice.  I use my own two hands to serve others.  I use the funds I can spare to make a difference.  10 minutes of advocacy per day, 1 hour of volunteerism per week, one donation per month.  Whatever combination of those three resources you can bring— that is what is required.

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Ana Quian is the reigning Miss New York County. You can follow her on Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Starting Things Off

By Mia Daley

Hi everyone! I’m Mia Daley, your Miss Rhode Island, and I am so excited to be rejoining the Section 36 Forevers family! I had the honor of being Miss Rhode Island teen 2023 and now Miss, Rhode Island 2026!

When I first put on the Miss Rhode Island crown, I knew this year would be busy. What I didn’t realize was just how many incredible moments would fit into just a few months.

One week I’m visiting elementary schools, talking with students about mental health through my Community Service Initiative, Mind in Motion, and leading movement activities that help them recognize and regulate their emotions. The next, I’m standing on stage in rehearsals for Escape to Margaritaville, balancing eight-show weeks with appearances across Rhode Island. Somehow, in between, I’m squeezing in vocal lessons, sponsor appointments, content creation, and trying to keep up with college life.

One of my favorite experiences so far was traveling to Philadelphia for the America250 celebrations with titleholders from across the country. Whether we were preparing for the Living Liberty Bell formation, attending events together, or simply catching up, it reminded me how special this sisterhood really is. It was one of those trips where every day was completely different, but every moment felt memorable.

People often ask what being Miss Rhode Island is really like. The truth is, it’s a lot less glamorous than social media makes it seem. There are early mornings, long drives, garment bags in the backseat of my car, changing outfits and eating dinner whenever I can find five free minutes. But there are also little girls who run up for hugs, parents who share stories about how a school visit made an impact, and opportunities to use this title to start conversations that truly matter.

Outside of appearances, I’m a musical theater student at Salve Regina University, so performing has always been a huge part of who I am. Right now, I’m spending my summer performing in Escape to Margaritaville at the New Bedford Festival Theatre while also preparing for Miss America. It’s definitely a balancing act, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thank you for following along on this incredible journey. I can’t wait to share it with you, one story at a time! 

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Photo by Daniel Gagnon

Mia Daley is the current Miss Rhode Island. You can follow her on her Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Surprise!

A few months back I was struck by the idea of creating a space to follow the local delegates on their journey to becoming Miss New York. Only I wanted to remain anonymous for as long as I could get away with it so there wouldn’t be any pressure to participate in takeovers or highlights! 

Well some of our New York queens started figuring out it was me - your friendly neighborhood grief girl. I was unable to attend state this year for a handful of reasons but the main one being i wanted to study abroad in Ireland which was the biggest dream come true of my academic career. If we’ve never met, allow me to reintroduce myself, I’m Lexy, I’m 25 years old from Western New York. I’m originally from Olean, but moved to Rochester when I was little. Pageants weren’t part of my life until 2020, and my first ever one was virtual! I loved every aspect, and through the years I found my voice. Seriously- I didn’t speak outside of my own home until I was like 20 lol. 

At 13 I was diagnosed with Autism after being given an earlier diagnosis of ADHD. As a teenager i developed anxiety after we lost my Uncle to an overdose. None of my peers had experienced loss of a human relative yet, and I felt so alone. It’s been 9 years since that day and I’ve lost 20+ others since. In those 9 years I created three different service initiatives based around him, our family’s little free library where each book is stamped with his memory is one. My international grief support group is two, and most notably is my Ricky’s Lunches With Love bags. Where brown paper bags are sent from every state to be used for outreach purposes. Sometimes it’s a sandwich, sometimes it’s a pair of socks, but each time it helps save a life in my county. 

Ricky isn’t the only one I honor through my Be The Light inititave, it’s also my Grammy Susan. Her grief was so intense she lost her life to it. Technically it was Lung Cancer but it was accelerated by losing Ricky. To honor Gram I work with Worth More Nation as their National Social Media Director. She spent a lot of her life overcoming trauma, and that’s the mission of WMN. It was a natural fit for me once WMN found me, Founder Sandy scooped up this sad college kid and helped her grow into a confident business owner. It’s been an honor serving behind the scenes, and I truly encourage you all to help support the org! 

Outside of pageantry, I’m a senior at Nazareth University and I spend a lot of time with my kitten Marshmallow Meowholland. She’s the light of my life and I’m convinced she’s my actual child. When I’m not with the kitten, I love traveling especially to my beloved Niagara Falls. I’m a grown up theatre kid and still try to catch a show when I can! I currently am exclusively self employed freelancing social media management and look forward to working full time in Marketing post grad! I love playing Minecraft with my little brother and introducing him to my favorite shows such as Doctor Who and Bones! 

With my advocacy work, Autism and Grief may sound like two different topics, but in my lived experience it’s because I’m autistic that I grieve the way I do. Autism isn’t my CSI, nor has it ever been, but it is part of me I cannot change. At the end if the day I’m here to share the story of my family, and use those experiences to help others feel less alone. I am proof that you can rise above your circumstances, and by turning your grief to action you can persevere. I hope you’ll forgive the secrecy around my identity, I wanted the focus to be on the class of 2026 and not on the girl behind the screen. 

I can’t wait to meet you all at Miss New York 2027, or our 2027 FLUNY local! Until then, we will keep celebrating our new queens, and what you all do post Miss NY. 

All my love, 

Lexy 

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Lexy Hearn is the current Administrator at New York's Sweetharts. You can follow her on their Instagram. She also works tirelessly for Worth More Nation at their Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.