Mental Health And Me - A Guest Blog from Wendy Araujo

Tears. Tears were rolling down my eyes when I tried explaining to my Mexican immigrant parents what was going on with me, but couldn’t quite find words to properly explain it. Due to their lack of knowledge and compassion for mental health, they couldn’t properly help me through what I was struggling with, because it wasn’t visible pain. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t the only people in the world who had no idea how to properly help those affected by mental illnesses. Americans who struggle with mental health problems often find themselves being stigmatized. In result, it causes them to avoid seeking help and can ultimately hinder their recovery. In today’s society, mental health has been shunned by many people, and is practically avoided by the media. Although it is not a physical illness, it is still an undetectable illness that needs to be thoroughly addressed on a national level. Mental illnesses are one of the most common health conditions in America, with more than 52.9 million Americans being diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. 

I became part of that statistic at the mere age of 7.

Imagine yourself at the ages of 7, 13, 19 and 22. By those ages, I have endured traumatic sexual assault/harrassment, bullying from elementary through high school, a failed suicide, the unexpected loss of my father, and lived through a deadly pandemic. All of these significant events made me realize the love and burning passion I had for becoming an advocate for mental health and wellness. Although I faced many traumatizing and agonizing circumstances growing up, as well as being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I was still able to take control of my life and seek recovery. If I can do it, so can anyone else!

Mental illnesses aren't a choice, but recovery is.

My mission is simple: I want to be a leader that the community can see their own reflection in, as well as initiate change within the community and for legislators to create laws that support those and their loved ones who are affected by mental illnesses, so that these illnesses can be prevented before it even begins. My love and passion for the cause was so imminent that I was given the distinct honor of being named an ambassador for the Texas Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness as of November 2022. By partnering with NAMI Texas, I believe that together we can begin the work by going straight to the source: the people. By creating programs that educate others about the symptoms and resources, it will create momentum on raising awareness as to why the public should do their part to help break the silence and challenge the stigma. I am honored to share my story with anyone I meet, and that I hope that this is not just a moment, but a movement that will greatly impact America in realizing why mental health and mental illnesses should be taken seriously, and help those who are affected by it.

Wendy Araujo

Miss San Antonio ‘23

Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Teen 2023 Crowned at Mohegan Sun

Connecticut — The Miss CT Scholarship Organization, Inc., a non-profit scholarship program for women, announced that a new Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Teen were crowned at Mohegan Sun on June 18. Miss Connecticut 2023 is Gina Carloto, age 28, of Trumbull and Miss Connecticut’s Teen 2023 is Emily Anastasio, age 18, of Bristol. Approximately $22,550 in scholarships were awarded to participants during this year’s competition where eleven Miss and nine Teen candidates vied for the state title.

“Congratulations to all of the young women involved, and to our new state titleholders,” said Ashley Dalton, Executive Director / Treasurer, The Miss CT Scholarship Organization. “We had an extraordinary display of talent, poise, intelligence and a focus on giving to our local communities in Connecticut. Special thanks to Sylvana and Peyton for their wonderful year of service as our 2022 titleholders.” 

Carloto, who served as Miss Fairfield County, will go on to compete at the 102nd Anniversary Miss America Competition. She has been awarded more than $8,000 in scholarship for her title win. Her Community Service Initiative is “The Grace Collective - Impacting local communities through diverse health and educational initiatives,” and her talent is a jazz dance. Anastasio, who served as Miss Bristol Teen and will go on to compete in the Miss America’s Teen 2023 Competition, won more than $2,500 in scholarship for her title win. Her Community Service Initiative is “Alzheimer’s Awareness,” and her talent is a tap dance. Both will receive in-kind donations to support their year of service advocating for numerous charitable causes across the State of Connecticut. 

Phases of the competitions included a private interview with a panel of judges, talent, health & fitness and evening wear.

The two new titleholders follow Sylvana Maria González of New Britain, Miss Connecticut 2022, and Peyton Troth of Bristol, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2022. 

Pictured: Emily Anastasio, Miss CT Teen 2023

Photo Credit: Catherine Fiehn Photography

Pictured: Gina Carloto, Miss CT 2023

Photo Credit: Catherine Fiehn Photography

***

The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) operated by volunteers that supports the advancement of women in society by embracing diversity, education and civic action. The organization invests in the women of Connecticut to further their education and provides a platform to propel their futures. Candidates who participate are awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and in-kind sponsorships each year. The Miss Connecticut competition is a preliminary to the Miss America competition.

Farewell, from Elizabeth Lynch

K. Garcia Productions

It truly doesn’t feel like it has already been a year since I was crowned Miss West Virginia 2022. I have traveled 39,500+ miles, been to 20 different states, and 32 counties in West Virginia to fight for the industry that feeds us. I have used my crown as a microphone to not only amplify my voice but the voices of those who put food on our tables, fiber on our backs, and fuel in our vehicles. “Growing Up, Growing Ag” was never about just having a platform. It was, and continues to be, my life. No matter where I go, I will always be an advocate for agriculture.

The woman who stood on that stage and ugly cried in 2022 isn’t the same woman that stands here today. However, I will probably still ugly cry on the stage again this year. (That won’t change.) But I have grown over the past year to understand who I am and the woman I want to be in this world at a much deeper level. That woman was always waiting under the surface and the Miss America Organization helped to bring her out. I am so much stronger in my convictions and steadier in my voice. I am surer of my decisions and proud of my accomplishments.

To the women about to compete for the job of a lifetime, remember that “you didn’t come this far to only come this far”. Whether you win or not, you have put in so much work to get to this point in your life. Don’t give up now. You didn’t come this far to stop. Take advantage of every single minute that has been given to you, lift your chin, and try again.

This year has completely changed my life in more ways than I can imagine. My future couldn’t be clearer, and I couldn’t be more excited. I know that I am so much more than the labels that could be placed on me. I am an agriculturist. I am a scientist. I am a woman. I am an educator. I am an advocate. And I will forever be…

Elizabeth Lynch, 

Miss West Virginia.

The Importance of Community and How Volunteerism Can Change Your Life! - A Guest Blog From Danielle Stephenson

Photo Gretchen Pingley

Do you ever wonder how communities keep going? Local government, tourism, marketing, and even infrastructure development plays a part in keeping communities intact! Something many people overlook is the volunteers who give their time to their communities every day. Volunteers are often described as the backbone of communities. They take care of the “behind the scenes” work that keeps social and educational programs running! Volunteers are the support system we often see but don’t fully recognize. The volunteer in my life was my grandmother, Shirley. I always knew she was doing something, but for years, I didn’t know that she was volunteering her time for local families in need, veterans, and children. It wasn’t until I helped her with a service project that I understood why communities are important.

As I helped my grandmother shop for Christmas gifts for a local family, I just thought that she was helping her social club do something nice. I helped package and deliver the gifts to the family, and that is when I learned why communities are critical to well-being. They were so grateful that they had their community behind them. Our world seems so focused on the individual. I never thought that communities really stood behind their neighbors and pitched in when people needed help. It seemed like something you read in books or saw in movies, but never in real life. Growing up in a small rural town, it was easy to hear about people in need and they always seemed to magically be okay. Communities are so much more than towns comprised of strangers who never speak to one another. Communities are like a puzzle. Every piece is important, and when one piece is missing, the puzzle isn’t the same. We all play a critical part in our own community, whether we realize it or not!

Volunteerism changed my life in ways that I never thought it could. Not only did it lead me to the Miss America Organization, but it changed me as a person. I learned to appreciate the little things, work with people who are different than me, and respect various worldviews. So how can volunteerism change your life? How ever you allow it to! It’s proven that people who volunteer report having a better outlook on life with less stress and increased feelings of belonging. You can make a difference in your community by giving your time just one hour per month! If you have a hobby you love, try using that hobby to give back to your community. It adds no time to your schedule, makes an impact, and provides an enriching outlet for creativity and well-being. Volunteer today, change a life tomorrow (including your own)!

Danielle Stephenson

Miss Capital City 2023

Farewell - A Guest Blog From Kaitlin Kerl

Photo: K. Garcia Productions

I feel like I finally got used to being Miss New Mexico and now it is time to say goodbye! That’s how it goes though right?! You have an incredible year of growth and evolution not only for yourself but with your organization, paving the way for the next young ladies. However you look back with confidence knowing how much of a difference you made and know that your legacy will live on forever! 

Going into this I never entertained thoughts of expectations. I went into it all with an open heart and mind knowing that no matter what was in store for me that it would be great. And it was… and so much more! My year was filled with so much love, support, new opportunities, and fun! I am so proud to have worked with so many incredible organizations across our state and to have represented the place I call home! Being Miss New Mexico has meant the absolute world to me. The biggest things to wanted to accomplish this year were to be a role model for young women interested in STEM, grow the Miss New Mexico Organization, and to help create opportunities for more women here in New Mexico! I have always understood my role to be greater than myself so giving back and fulfilling my goals this year was amazing. 

To my all of my Miss America Organization sisters and future sisters, we will share these unique experiences and bonds forever. Nothing about what you do is easy however, you each contribute so much to those around you. I am inspired by all the incredible things you all do and stand for as women, and it has been a true blessing getting to know you all. Keep inspiring because you never know who is looking up to you and what you do does make a difference. Take lots of pictures, go to those appearances, meet new people, and enjoy every second of this experience!

Although my reign has come to a close I am leaving with a ton of memories, lifelong friends, new opportunities, and confidence about what my next life journey will be. The Miss America Organization truly has prepared me in so many ways for the rest of my life and it is something that I will continue to make a part of my life forever. Thank you to every single person who has joined me on this extraordinary, once in a lifetime adventure. I am so proud to have been your Miss New Mexico 2022! 

-Kaitlin Kerl