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 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.

Farewell by Lianna Hartshorn

New Mexico, it has been my greatest honor to represent you all this year. The Land of Enchantment, where I was born and raised, will always hold a special spot in my heart. Thank you to all the schools I visited, every event I went to, and all the memories I made. Thank you for every hug. As this door closes, know that this is just the beginning of my service to you all. 

Your forever Miss New Mexico 2023, 

-Lianna Elizabeth Hartshorn

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.

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

A Note From Abby

As Abby Mansolillo turns over her Miss Rhode Island crown, I'm honored to share this farewell message from her.

Photo: Daniel Gagnon

As my time as Miss Rhode Island comes to a close, I am struck by the fleeting nature of this year. 

I am reminded of one year (and 22 days ago) where my whole world was flipped upside down - where suddenly, everything that I’d known was changed. 

I remember when I was little, and I watched Miss America on the couch with my parents. I thought that I was separate from those women; I never thought I’d be one of them. 

Being the 81^st Miss Rhode Island seemed light years away. I thought Miss America and Miss Rhode Island candidates alike, were light years away from me.

Every year, hundreds of women compete for their respective local and state titles - only 51, however, compete for the job, title and role of Miss America. To be in this group of women is an honor, and it is certainly life changing. 

A few days ago, Miss West Virginia (Elizabeth Lynch) happened to be in Rhode Island for approximately 24 hours. Elizabeth and I spent a significant amount of time together at Miss America, and to say that our friendship is based on talking every day would be an understatement. The fact is - we do talk every day, but that’s not the half of it. I run to tell her good news, I confide in her when I need help or a logical ear. She is truly and unequivocally one of my best friends. 

That’s what the Miss America organization does. Yes, it is about networking, inspiring other young women, showcasing talents and providing scholarships- but it is about the cherished friendships that we gain.  

I have been competing in pageants since I was 14 years old - a freshman in high school, who had no idea the world she was stepping into. Now, at almost 24 years old, as Miss Rhode Island, I toured a Blackhawk helicopter, have spoken to hundreds of students across our state about my Social Impact Initiative, “Trust Your Gut”, toured the Dallas Star Stadium, and danced to Whitney Houston during a Providence College basketball game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. These are just a handful of the opportunities that I was given as Miss Rhode Island. I only hope that whoever follows in my footsteps (and beyond) does the same and remembers to take plenty of pictures.

Recently, I was asked what advice I would give the next Miss Rhode Island. I have so much I’d like to tell her, whoever she is, that I worry I’ll forget it all. 

I’ll start here, though. 

Every year, every class, every winner - is different. The way I spent my year may not be how she spends hers - and that is to be expected. I would tell her to take every moment she can - take the silly pictures, go to the events in the rain (but learn from my mistakes: pack an umbrella and use it), and pour your heart and soul into this year - you only get one. 

Know that you are so much more beyond the Miss Rhode Island crown; know who you are without that title. 

Back in 2015, after placing second runner- up at Miss Universe, Olivia Jordan, a former Miss USA, posted the following caption:

"Sometimes, it's just not for us. The job, the interview, the man, or, in this case, the crown...sometimes, it's just for someone else. Not because they are better, more qualified, prettier, nicer, superior to us, but because it is their opportunity, not ours.

And that's okay, because our opportunities - our job, our interview, the man of our dreams - are not for them either. They're ours. And they're often right on the other side of rejection” 

I would tell the next Miss Rhode Island the same thought that I remember replaying in my head as I stood onstage waiting (hoping) for my name to be called as Miss Rhode Island 2022 - that what is meant for you will never pass you.  Sometimes what is meant for you is on the opposite side of a “no” or a “not yet”. 

Whether what is meant for you is being Miss Rhode Island, being Miss America, or something entirely separate from pageants entirely - it will never miss you. 

I humbly thank the state of Rhode Island for making me your girl. It was an honor. 

With love, always.

Abby Mansolillo

Miss Rhode Island 2022