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 

Miss America 2023 Recap - Preliminary Forevers Part 1

The Miss America 2023 competition may be several month ago at this point, but I can't seem to stop thinking about it. Hopefully you feel the same way, and won't mind if I throw things back a little bit. It was such an incredible event that I don't think you can talk about it too much. Since there were a good number of Section 36 Forevers competing, I though it would be fun to look back at those amazing women and the week they had. 

The competition starts with the preliminary nights, giving us the first chance to see the S36 Forevers take the stage. What an experience. Here's how some of the Forevers looked at that moment.

All these pictures were taken by Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. She always does amazing work, which is probably why she was nominated as a Pageant Planet top headshot photographer AND top event photographer. Congratulations to her!

Now, let's look on stage!

Miss Alabama Lindsay Fincher stuns in her incredible gown.

Lyndsay Fincher gives it her all during the talent portion.

Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger telling everyone what's on her mind.

Jessica Reisinger looking so elegant!

Miss Arizona Melody Pierce dancing the night away!

Melody Pierce passionately talking about her SII.

Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell showing off some dance moves of her own.

Ebony Mitchell showing everyone exactly how amazing that gown can look.

Miss Connecticut Sylvana Gonzalez, in her own words, showing off serenity, strength, and resilience.

Is that Sylvana Gonzalez, or the dancing emoji?

Miss Idaho Sarah Jensen turning more than a few heads.

Sarah Jensen finishing her talent with style.

Miss Maine Madison Leslie absolutely exuding confidence in her gown.

And that's just the beginning of the preliminary round recap. I hope you didn't mind that I shared these pictures with you.

More to come!

Miss America 2023 Recap - The Stories Behind the Gowns

You may remember the previous recap post showing off the incredible entrances some S36 Forevers made to the Miss America 2023 competition. All of the gowns were stunning on the contestants.

I can't be the only one who sees that procession and thinks, "All of those dresses are so beautiful and yet so different. I wonder how each woman selects the most important dress of her life.

Luckily, a few S36 Forevers did share the story behind their gowns on their social media, which is amazing. I thought it would be fun to share the stories here.

Once again, all the pictures were taken by Kelsey of K. Garcia Productions. She does amazing work, and was recently nominated as a Pageant Planet top headshot photographer AND top event photographer.

Let's see those stories.

From the Miss Connecticut Instagram: For as long as I can remember Latinas in media have always been portrayed as too loud, crazy, and feisty (while I do not confirm nor deny some of these traits 😅) I never saw us portrayed as eloquent, intelligent, or peaceful. Miss America allowed me to be what I didn't see, being that representation and walking the red carpet with the gown that exemplified the serenity, strength, and resilience of our island's heritage. 

From the Miss Utah Instagram: Utah is know as the beehive state. When I picked out this dress, it reminded me of honeycomb. This dress Is dedicated to my hive of bees who have gotten me here!

From the Miss Massachusetts Instagram: I designed her myself based on former Miss America gowns that I’ve loved since I was a child. Thank you to Anita at Infusion Boutique and the team at JOVANI for making my sketch come to life!

From the Miss South Dakota Instagram: A dress that had a classic feel to it but also some “spice”😜 It was an incredible feeling to walk on the Miss America stage in this gown! 

From the Miss Alabama Instagram: I worked with The Clothes Tree and JOVANI to design this custom gown. I knew I wanted to wear black velvet, and I got the inspiration for the sheer sides with nude/crystal beading from a photo of a wedding dress I found in 2019. Then Julie from JOVANI worked her magic to come up with this beauty! We also totally changed the neckline after the dress came in.

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I hope you enjoyed these stories, and the incredible pictures. Hopefully there will be more stories to share in the future!