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!

-------------------------

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.

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.