Memories From the Miss America's Teen Competition

By Camryn Patton

[On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America's Teen candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Camryn Patton, Miss Connecticut's Teen 2024, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is her first guest blog for us. -S36F]

What was it like backstage during the competition?
Backstage during the competition was incredibly supportive. All 50 of us girls genuinely wanted the best for each other. It wasn’t about competing against one another, it was about lifting each other up. When one of us made it into the top 11, it felt like we all did. From our Chick-Fil-A lunches, to singing the Star-Spangled Banner on Instagram live when we were supposed to be getting ready, we had the most fun together! I’ll never forget the prayer we shared together before finals night. We stood hand in hand, thanking the Lord for the deep connection we had all made that week, and emphasizing that no matter what happened that night, it was God’s plan for each of us. Even before opening number, we were all sobbing, truly saddened that it was our last night together. It was such a powerful moment that showed how much we truly cared for each other.

When did it first "hit" you that you were competing at Miss America's Teen?
It first hit me that I was competing at Miss America’s Teen when I was standing in my opening number position on the first night of prelims. As soon as I heard my friends and family cheering for me, my eyes immediately filled up with tears. Right before Pitbull’s “Celebrate” started, I realized, this was it. The dream I’d been working toward for 14 years was finally coming true, and it was truly an emotional, overwhelming moment I will never forget.

What was your favorite part of the whole experience?
My favorite part of the entire Miss America's Teen experience has to be the girls. It may sound a bit cliché, but it’s so true. I was fortunate to have such an incredible class of girls who truly embody every pillar of the Miss America opportunity. I wouldn't have had such a positive experience without them. Miss America's Teen week is so unique, there's no other place where you can gain 50 new best friends from all across the country. A special shoutout to my best friend, Averie Mountain, Miss Kansas Teen, never would I have imagined that my best friend would be three years younger than me, but that’s just one example of how this organization fosters such rare and beautiful friendships! 

What kept you grounded during the week?
What kept me grounded during Miss America's Teen week was not only knowing I had an incredible support system behind me, always cheering me on, but also the advice I got from the Forever Miss Connecticut’s Teens. They really encouraged me to not take the experience for granted and to remember that it’s about so much more than just the competition while also reminding me to focus on having a positive experience, no matter what. I also kept reminding myself that this was a dream I’d been chasing since I was three years old. In every phase of competition, I thought about little me, imagining how proud she would be just to see me walk on that stage. 

What were some of your favorite activities with the other candidates?

Some of my favorite activities with the other candidates were definitely watching the Miss America prelims and finals with my state sisters. It was so much fun supporting our Misses while also getting to experience the other side of the competition. Even celebrating each other’s Misses successes was truly special. I’ll never forget jumping up and down in the middle of the ballroom with Miss Alabama’s Teen, Ali Mims, after her Miss, Abbie Stockard, won Miss America. The excitement and joy I felt for Ali in that moment was unforgettable!

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Camryn Patton is the current Miss Connecticut's Teen. You can find her on her title's Instagram. 

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

New England Farewell

By Hannah Karki

Hello everyone, It's Han, I know you missed me, and welcome back to another blog post! 

I recently just gave up one of my titles, Teen New England Petite. Now I know what you are thinking, why are you so emotional, you have a second, bigger, and heavier crown with a national title. Well, let me share with you my story of New England. 

The New England title means more to me than any title I have competed for. It was not only my first win, but also my first experience of truly feeling like I impacted people in a positive way. If you couldn’t tell, my titles are everything to me. Keeping up with social media, fulfilling duties to my directors, and training for internationals are religiously important to me. But what is even more important to me is making sure I spread my message of self love and unapologetically being myself with the next generation of beautiful women growing up in society today. Showing young girls that if you can dream, you can do it, will always be one of the biggest pillars in my life. 

New England helped me climb out from the rock I pushed myself under, and allowed me to show the judges and the world who the real me is. The goofy, talkative, social, empathic, and emotional me, even the vulnerable parts. I think the thing I struggled with is trying to not fit into the box society presents us; the preppy, pageant girl who can look rude or stuck up. I wanted to change this narrative. My goal for winning is to make pageants a place for women to feel free to be themselves and share their true passion. I came in with my social, bubbly, jokester personality, and shared the scared and insecure parts of me, because those parts of me make me who I am. 

I think I was very shy to share my story with mental health and how important it was to me. I always thought that people would judge me for what happened to me, or maybe not even believe me because of how I come off as a person. New England was the first time I shared my true why. 

I remember crying in the bathroom after the interview and being shocked that I shared such personal information with a panel of judges that I didn’t know personally. Most of my friends, even my close ones, didn’t know what I went through, and honestly, a part of me was still ashamed of my past. I cried because I was scared and this was the most vulnerable I had felt in my life. 

I remember getting up on stage and thinking to myself, welp, now they know. I remember feeling so nervous to swim and also messing up my own title in introductions. I remember taking a huge deep breath, in and out, and then walking out into the blinding lights on stage as I heard my name called for swim. I remember feeling so in the moment and letting my practice take over. I remember walking off to the side of the stage and seeing my coach tearing up in the corner, while others congratulated me for how powerful my swim walk was. I remember thinking to myself, I didn’t think that went that well. 

I remember walking in my evening gown, and feeling like I owned the stage. Yes, I was mortified 3 people I didn’t know knew my insecurities and battles, but it almost made me feel more comfortable on stage with them knowing. Knowing my true purpose, to serve others and to give back to my community, and to hear who the true Hannah was, and who she wants to become because of what she went through. 

I remember looking out to my family when I was holding my first runner ups hands, not knowing I had won. I remember thanking them in my head, and smiling out the crowd to see all the people who had supported my journey from the beginning. When I didn’t hear my name as first runner up, I almost fell to my knees. For the first time, I felt like my story was finally heard and my hard work was finally approved. 

I remember trying to hold myself together, but obviously that didn't happen. I broke down sobbing, and I remember running off the stage and hugging my coach so tight. I couldn’t believe it had finally happened. 

New England gave me the opportunity for my older self to finally forgive my younger self for what I faced, and it also gave me the opportunity to thank my younger self for staying here, thanking my younger self to see the good in the bad, and thanking my young self for giving my older self to represent other survivors across the world. My story shouldn't make me feel ashamed or weak, it should make me understand how powerful my voice is. How powerful my story is, and how powerful it is to share it. 

New England prepared me for nationals, which is where I shared the true story with the judges. I broke down sobbing when I heard a judge say, “She is so deserving”. 

New England also taught me what true sisterhood feels like. Growing up, I was the only girl, so I tell people my personality is like, “a 12 year old boy”. After New England Petite crowning, I realized I had gained 10 sisters who I could ask anything and they would immediately help. From small things, like a hair tie, to picking my dresses and helping with my appearance, my sisters were with me, through thick and thin. At nationals, I think I realized how strong the bond was. 

I remember winning and hearing screams from all sides of the room. I remember looking out and seeing my director, Leah, sobbing. She told me she had been crying since the on-stage question. Then, there was Jasmine, who I think cried more than me when I won. I remember the crown being placed on my head, and immediately trying to get to her after I won. The entire competition, she was right at my side, telling me how I was worth the title and how powerful of a person I was. I remember running to her and hugging her so tight on stage, and sobbing into her arms. And then there was my favorite, Stef, who broke her dress from jumping and falling backwards when I won. She was backstage in the Ms. top 5 with Kim. Kim helped me in the top 5, and shook my nerves out right before I answered my question, helping me breathe in and out. Sarah was my destresser the entire weekend, helping me after what I thought was my worst interview ever, and helping me hold myself together the entire week. Chrystal was my pageant mom the entire weekend, taking my behind the scenes photos and helping me out with anything I needed. Her hug after I won made me start crying again.  

Without these women’s support, I would not have made it to my national win. The sisterhood is so real in this system, and I will ALWAYS brag about how I have the most amazing sister queens on planet Earth. 

New England made me a home and a place to feel comfortable with who I was, and I can’t wait for the next amazing group of women to get showered with the same amount of love and more that I did. 

Giving up that title made me realize how much I had gained, and how eternally grateful I am to have experienced such a one of a kind feeling. And for that, I say thank you, New England, the pleasure was mine.

I hope you enjoyed today's sappy, yet fulfilling blog post! If you haven’t already, go tell someone how important they are, and that they are worth it!

Till next time,

Your friend, 

Han, 

Teen Petite USA 2024 and Former Teen New England Petite 

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Photos by K. Garcia Productions

Hannah Karki is the current Miss Teen Petite USA. You can follow her on her title's Instagram and website. 

Hannah has been kind enough to write several submissions for us. Follow the link for her other Section 36 Forevers Guest Blogs.

My Miss America Experience

 By Mandi Genord

[On Instagram, I asked what questions people would ask a Miss America candidate. Several wonderful questions were submitted. Mandi Genord, Miss Wisconsin 2024, was kind enough to take a crack at answering them for us. This is her first of three posts on this topic. -S36F]

Did you have a favorite fan/friend/family encounter of the week?

After the Miss America Finals, the contestants and I were heading to the bus for visitation. When we got outside, Abby Lee Miller was waiting for us, taking photos with all the girls! She had wanted to attend the show, but there were no tickets left, so she waited until it was over to meet us.

How did you select your gown?

My evening gown was a custom design by Jovani Fashions, partially sponsored by Dressed in Time in Brookfield, WI. During my Miss America headshots, the photographer dressed me in a black velvet gown with white puffs. What I loved about the dress was how it drew attention to my face, while also being something unique for the Miss America stage. This dress ultimately became the inspiration for my Miss America gown!

When did it first “hit” you that you were competing at Miss America?

I don’t know if it has yet, and I’m not sure it ever will! I remember watching videos of myself on the Miss America stage after prelims and finals, and it felt so surreal. While I know I competed at Miss America, it never felt like I was actually at a competition while I was there. Like many women who have walked the Miss America stage, I grew up watching the competition on TV every year. So, when I think of Miss America, I think of women like Laura Kaeppeler, Betty Maxwell, Savvy Shields, and others. It’s hard to believe I now share that experience with them, but maybe one day it will truly sink in!

What were some of your favorite activities with the other candidates?

I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd, so the day we went to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure was honestly one of the best days of my life! It wasn’t ideal that we got rained on, but I’m such a visual person that just walking around the park was enough for me! I also really enjoyed going to hair and makeup and sitting in the room with the other contestants. It was nice to have some normal conversations and talk about the differences between our state competitions and what each of our states is known for!

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Mandi Genord is the current Miss Wisconsin. You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. 

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Life is my ultimate Pageant: Living with Muscular Dystrophy

By Audrey Tabor

Life, with muscular dystrophy, is compared to Miss America pageants I participate in. The categories in my pageants seem relevant to how I achieve and excel in my everyday life. Every day, every minute, is a performance, a test of resilience and adaptation molding my journey based on my experiences and obstacles.  In every moment of a pageant, as in life, each of its aspects requires strength, elegance, and willpower.

Private Interview: Facing the Reality of Muscular Dystrophy
The private interview within pageantry is that of vulnerability and authenticity, where contestants share their stories and personal journeys. Living with muscular dystrophy has been like a life-long private interview with myself and the world. Confronting realness about the condition means answering those hard internal questions about identity, limitations, and purpose. Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle loss that affects every aspect of life, from mobility to independence. Through this private interview, I learned that strength does not come from my muscles but from the way I face life's various difficulties. It all started with accepting the diagnosis, which was followed by day-to-day challenges. The secret to achieving this category is not about knowing all the answers, it's all about being honest with myself and to the people around me as I acknowledge the effect of muscular dystrophy without letting it be the sole defining element of my life.

Talent: The Art of Adaptation
Talent is all about showcasing a skill that makes you different, and in the case of living life with muscular dystrophy, it's all about adaptation: the ultimate talent. Every day presents different challenges, from managing physical limitations to creatively solving problems around tasks that others may consider mundane. In my life, talent is the art of maneuvering my way through the world not built for a person with muscular dystrophy. It's learning to know how to conserve energy and finding a way to turn obstacles into opportunities. This develops new ways to continue my passion for art and music or advocate for accessible spaces and policies. Adaptation and inclusivity become, where the beauty of small victories is treasured, and where capability is not strictly linked with body strength.

Evening Gown/Red Carpet: Confidence and Presentation
In the evening gown portion of a pageant, poise, elegance, and the way one presents themselves to the world are what contestants are generally judged on. This category reflects the importance of self-presentation and confidence in my physical capabilities. It's about holding your head high even as your body doesn't move the way you want it to, finding a way to express beauty and grace through personal style and attitude. It takes no less poise to live with muscular dystrophy than pageant contestants have walking the red carpet. 

Fitness: Physical and Mental Resilience 
In pageantry, fitness usually brings up imagery of physical strength, health, and stamina. But the term takes on new meaning if one lives with muscular dystrophy, it's more about developing the strength one needs both physically and mentally to cope with a progressive condition. Equally important is mental fitness: remaining positive, coping with stress, and getting through bad days. Whereas physical fitness may decrease over time, mental resilience becomes stronger; it's a fight, as the mind learns to cope with what muscular dystrophy throws at it. It's all about finding that delicate balance between pushing your body to be active and knowing when to instill the mindset of perseverance. 

A life of resilience, adaptation, and grace living with muscular dystrophy is like a pageant; the categories are a reflection of those diverse aspects of life that require resilience, adaptation, and grace. Muscular dystrophy may shape the journey, but it doesn't define the outcome, for each step, each stage, testifies to the power of resilience and to the beauty of living life on my terms.

[Photo: Shoots by Sunya]

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Audrey Tabor is the current Miss North Texas' Teen. You can find her on her title's Instagram. This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers. 

Dear Younger Me,

I hope this letter finds you full of dreams and excitement, imagining yourself stepping onto the Miss America stage. I know the vision feels far away, and the journey ahead seems daunting, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. Along the way, you’ll learn lessons that will shape not only your competition experience but also the person you’re becoming. Here’s what I want you to remember:  

Lesson One: Mindset is Everything.
You’re not competing against 50+ women, you’re only in competition with yourself. The real victory begins when you win yourself over, long before you step on stage or into an interview room. You must believe in your self-worth, no matter how the results unfold. At the same time, know you’re capable of winning if you’re willing to give it your all. Your mindset is a seed you plant months before the competition begins, and it grows through preparation, self-belief, and resilience. Cultivate it carefully, and it will carry you through.

Lesson Two: One Small Act of Kindness Can Cause Ripples That Change the World.
The competition isn’t about being perfect or solving every problem in one week. It’s about being present and intentional. A single act of kindness—whether it’s lending a hand, offering a word of encouragement, or just sharing a genuine smile—can transform the experience for yourself and others. These small gestures create ripples that extend far beyond the stage, leaving behind a legacy of sisterhood and cherished memories. Lead with kindness, and you’ll find the experience is about so much more than a crown.

Lesson Three: The Only Thing You Can Control Is Your Attitude, Not the Outcome.
Understand this: what is meant for you will find its way to you, and what isn’t meant for you will pass. Release yourself from the need to control the outcome, and you’ll discover the freedom to be your most authentic self. When you embrace the joy of the process whether it’s walking on stage, speaking your truth in an interview, it will radiate through every moment. The judges and audience will feel it too. Let go, have fun, and know that the right path will unfold in its time.

You have what it takes to achieve this dream, not because of any external recognition, but because of who you are and the impact you’re meant to make. Trust the journey, stay true to yourself, and lead with heart. I can promise you this: whether or not you wear the crown, the woman you become will make you proud.  

With love and faith in you,  
Stephanie Finoti, Miss Ohio 2024
Miss America 2025 4RU

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Stephanie Finoti is the current Miss Ohio. You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is also the founder of "That STEM Girl", dedicated to empowering and preparing the next-generation of marginalized young women to enter the STEM-medical workforce.

To learn more about Stephanie, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Do It for the Girls: A Continuation of Finding Purpose in Unpredictable Places

 By Isabella Williams

Working with the South African government is, at best, a study in ambiguity. When I took the calculated risk of piling into a car with five strangers—most of them men—I realized I had a three-hour journey ahead. I hadn’t yet prepared what I was going to say to the girls we were visiting. Our mission was to donate sanitary pads and speak with them in small groups.

“We made sure a woman is with you. She’ll protect you or get you whatever you need,” one of the men said, gesturing toward a smiling woman in the middle seat. She cleared the space next to her for me. As the car began its journey, she asked me about my pageant journey and how I came to write a book.

Those three hours gave us ample time to form a connection. We talked about life in these rural areas, where basic necessities like soap and feminine hygiene products are often unavailable. I learned that wealthier towns—predominantly white—provide these items in their schools, while the smaller, underserved townships do not.

At first glance, it seems like access to pads should be the responsibility of the individual. But as I listened, I realized the issue is far more systemic. The lack of access to such basic items interrupts girls’ education in profound ways. From a broader perspective, it’s clear that providing these supplies is not just an act of charity but a necessity for equity. If the government ensured access to these products in all schools, it would help keep girls in the classroom, increase graduation rates, and ultimately empower them to contribute to the local economy.

My mind began to race, recalibrating everything I had planned to say. I couldn’t simply encourage the girls to use products they didn’t have access to. My message needed to inspire action, a solution.

Suddenly, we arrived at the school. My phone was taken so the group could record videos, and my female guide ushered me toward the stage. As I walked through rows of high school-aged girls—20 in total—I felt a wave of panic. Why do I always procrastinate and then find myself in high-stakes situations?

I sat next to the school staff as the group introduced themselves in the local language. I tried to focus, running through my thoughts, but my name was announced before I felt ready.

The microphone was handed to me, and I worried that my pounding heartbeat might echo through the room. I glanced around, making eye contact with as many girls as I could. There were more than 500 in attendance.

“My name is Isabella Williams,” I began. “I could tell you all about my achievements and why I’m here, hoping you’ll take me seriously. But I’d rather get straight to the point.

You deserve access to feminine health products. You deserve the right to stay in school. These aren’t privileges—they’re basic rights. To maintain and demand those rights, you must focus on your education and never stop standing up for what is just.

Women are going to change this world. Someday, a future of academically accomplished, highly intelligent women will run this planet. And that future is you—every one of you sitting here today. You are the future.”

When I finished, there was a brief silence. Then, the loudest applause I’ve ever heard erupted in the room.

I am far from the most qualified person to do this work. I only know what it feels like to be a young girl in a small town, fighting for independence and opportunity. And I remember the women who saw me as an equal and showed me a path forward.

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Isabella Williams is the current Miss Lake Champlain (Vermont). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is the author of several books, and the illustrator of the recent release The Fire Within You. 

To learn more about Isabella, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

My MAO Retirement

 By Elyssa DiRaddo

It’s crazy to think my time in Miss America is actually coming to a close. For those who don’t know my story, I can safely say it is one of a kind. I started competing after MAO changed the age due to the pandemic (2022). I thought I would have my 1 shot at being Miss Indiana and had that opportunity and was so thankful for my 1 year. I was starting the transition to forever life - giving up my title in less than a month, when the age changed to 28. After 3 amazing years in this organization, I am here, aging out… for the 3^rd time.

Competing in Miss America I have had my high of high and low of low. This journey has been a rollercoaster to say the least- moments it felt hard to do- and my own self-doubt, comparison, internet hate, paranoia, and needing to handle my passions and my “self” being part of a competition, but as been so worth it. The lessons I’ve learned, people I have impacted, and the opportunities I have had thanks to Miss America is one I will forever be grateful for, but that doesn’t take away the moments when it gets hard. 

I give up this crown with a legacy I am proud to have. As a 5’2 plus-size Jewish woman, I never grew up seeing myself on the Miss America stage- I said no to competing twice before finally taking the chance, not because I didn’t think I could do it, but because I didn’t think Miss America would accept me, and that I was proven wrong. I may not have been the first plus-size woman on the Miss America stage or be the second Jewish Miss America, but I can say my legacy has made it so I know we will see both. I know in my years in Miss America, I have left an imprint on the future of this organization, inspiring people from coast to coast, several women competing because they found me- that is something that will be forever hard to believe. My why is something I hold close to my heart- my why is for little Elyssa- who never saw herself. To show little Elyssa The things she thought she’d never do. Little Elyssa would be proud to see her on the stage, and I know I have made that impact on many of all ages- showing the next generation themselves, showing my generation the change, and showing those older than me what they wish they saw. I gave my all, did my best and Brought someone some happiness- Left this world a little better just because I was here, taking up space- facing the obstacles and barriers life set and I was not afraid to be the one to break them. Little Elyssa- around 7 years old once said “I just want to know that when I die, I made an impact on the people around me”.  Although dark for a 7-year-old, I know my years in this organization did just that. Make an impact. 

Although this time is coming to an end, it is not a goodbye to Miss America. I know I am going to use all that I gained from MAO and use it to continue the work I have been doing. I promise to continue finding opportunities to break barriers in new, larger, more radical ways. Today marks the end of an era, but the start of a age and now. My time has actually, really, come to an end as a titleholder, but I can say- because of my experience, I have been changed for good. 

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Elyssa DiRaddo is turning over her Miss Southern Indiana crown. You can continue to find her on her personal Instagram.  

To learn more about Elyssa, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.