FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jenni Glenn
Miss America Organization
609.345.7571, ext. 17
jenni@missamerica.org
WHO WILL BE THE FIRST MISS AMERICA'S OUTSTANDING TEEN?
A remarkable mix of honor students, debate champions, singers, dancers, cheerleaders, thespians, athletes, musicians and writers to compete for this coveted title and $150,000 in scholarship assistance
Orlando, FL and Atlantic City, NJ - August 9, 2005 - Fifty-two of the country's most talented, bright and beautiful young women aged 13 to 17 years old will converge in Orlando, FL to compete in the first Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant from August 17-20, 2005 at the Linda Chapin Theater, Orange County Convention Center.
Interviews with contestants are available via phone prior to and during competition week from now through Friday, August 19. Please contact Jenni Glenn at 609.345.7571, ext. 17 to request an interview.
On August 20, one of the following 52 extraordinary competitors will become the first ever Miss America's Outstanding Teen!
Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen - Jenna Carroll Bryant
Founder and President of Teens Against Tobacco Use at Hoover High School, Jenna Carroll Bryant is an honor roll student and accomplished dancer. She aspires to one day work in New York with a top fashion designer and design her own clothing line.
Miss Alaska's Outstanding Teen - Kimberley Rose Carr
Recipient of Alaska's First Lady Volunteer of the Year Award and $10,000 Eckard College Scholarship for scholastic achievement, leadership and volunteerism, Kimberley Rose Carr is a member of the National Honor Society. She hopes to become a pediatric physical therapist.
Miss Arizona's Outstanding Teen - Adrienne Nurss
President of her freshman class and captain of the volleyball team, Adrienne Nurss is also an All-Around State Gymnastics Champion and Dancer of the Year. She has been on the honor roll for five consecutive semesters and her career ambition is to one day become a pediatric dentist.
Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen - Hannah Kay Joiner
An aspiring architect, Hannah Kay Joiner is a member of the National Honor Society, a University of Arkansas Gifted and Talented Scholar and a state discus and basketball champion. She participated in the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies as a guest entertainer and loves to paint and tap dance.
Miss California's Outstanding Teen - Arianna Afsar
Winner of nearly 50 talent awards for singing, Arianna Afsar loves to perform in front of any and all audiences. She is an honor roll student and hopes to obtain a bachelor's degree in Engineering while pursuing her career ambition of becoming a legendary singer.
Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen - Jocelyn Story
Varsity Track "Athlete of the Year" Award recipient and winner of "Outstanding Dancer" and "Triple Threat" scholarships at the NYCDA Dance Convention, Jocelyn Story is a National Honor Roll student. She aspires to obtain a degree in broadcasting/journalism.
Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen - Sarah Lord
Class president and first place winner in the National Champion Dance America contest, Sarah Lord has received highest academic honors every year since elementary school. She hopes to obtain a PhD in Molecular Biology and become a genetic researcher.
Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen - Carly Rae Economos
Carly Rae Economos is a Tri-M Honor Society member (for musicians with a high cumulative index). A consistent honor roll student for the past 11 years, Carly would like to obtain a degree in musical theatre and voice. She aspires to be a Broadway performer and start her own non-profit ballet school.
Miss District of Columbia's Outstanding Teen - Virginia Ryan
A member of the Duke Ellington Show Choir, Virginia Ryan performed the National Anthem for President Bush at the 2005 Presidential Dinner. She is an honor roll student who wants to attend Fordham University and aspires to create an arts school for inner-city children.
Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen - Sierra Minott
National Honor Society member and winner of the Elite Gold Medal for Dance Solo and the Musical Theatre Excellence Award, Sierra Minott is her senior class president. She would like to obtain a masters degree in psychology and become a counselor/therapist.
Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen - Kristen Springer
Winner of the President's Education Award and Most Promising Freshman Award, Kristen Springer is a ballet instructor and was accepted into the Houston Ballet summer intensive program and the 2005 School of American Ballet summer program. She aspires to become a pediatric dentist.
Miss Hawaii's Outstanding Teen - Jalee Kate Fuselier
An avid volunteer and honor student, Jalee Kate Fuselier has worked with teen missions in Europe, Cameroon and Uganda and volunteered with the Children of Nations in Malawi, Africa. She is the lead singer for the Mars Hill Band and hopes to one day become a physical therapist and practice in a foreign country.
Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen - Amanda RyLee Workman
Academic Student of the Month, Amanda RyLee Workman completed advanced placement college courses during her junior year of high school. She has won awards for dancing and piano and would like to obtain a degree in psychology.
Miss Illinois' Outstanding Teen - Kathryn Strause
An aspiring neuromusicologist or psychologist, Kathryn Strause has received eight consecutive ratings for piano solos by the National Federation of Music Teachers. She has performed in a choir at Carnegie Hall, is vice president of her junior class and also an honor student.
Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen - Sarah Gorecki
An aspiring vocalist, Sarah Gorecki has produced a pop CD demo, sang the National Anthem at a Chicago White Sox game and was invited to perform at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Dublin, Ireland. She has received the Presidential Achievement Commendation, and awards in speech, debate and poetry.
Miss Iowa's Outstanding Teen - Amanda Sabin
Amanda Sabin aspires to become a child psychologist or youth counselor. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has received the Presidential Academic Award and Athletic Union Excellence in Academic Achievement award and is the president of her student council.
Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen - Lauren E. Susong
A member of the Gifted and Talented Program and recipient of the President's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Lauren E. Susong was accepted to the KMEA Honor Choir. She would like to pursue a double major in music theatre and classical vocal performance and aspires to tour America while performing.
Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen - Erin Marie Clark
Governor's Scholar and Top Ten Finalist in the Coca Cola Talent Classic 2003, this former Radio Disney dancer aspires to become a professional dancer/business owner. Erin Marie Clark is a member of the Assumption National Dance Team and also a member of the S.H.I.N.E. Program
Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen - Bethany Moore
A member of the National Honors Society, Bethany Moore has dreams of becoming a missionary. She formed a youth praise and worship band at her church, helped provide medical care to 1,500 people in Mexico over the past two years and has raised $1,200 for an orphanage and food bank in Revnosa, Mexico by holding a benefit concert in
her hometown.
Miss Maine's Outstanding Teen - Katelyn E. Smith
Animal rights advocate, Katelyn E. Smith aspires to become a doctor of veterinary medicine. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, recipient of the VFW Youth Essay Award and winner of the Gold and Top Soloist Overall award at the 2005 Show Stoppers National Dance Competition.
Miss Maryland's Outstanding Teen - Lindsay Morris
Lindsay Morris hopes to become a legal representative or lobbyist for the agriculture and fishing industries for the state of Maryland. She is a jazz pianist and captain of the Vikingettes Dance Team who has received the President's Education Outstanding Academic Excellence Award and the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Award.
Miss Massachusetts' Outstanding Teen - Tanya Lee Bonenfant
National Honor Society member, Tanya Lee Bonenfant was selected to attend a six-week PCC Advanced Studies program at Bridgewater State College in 2001. She aspires to become a police detective specializing in the care and protection of children and has already designed a child safety coloring book. Tanya is also a lyrical
dancer who has performed at Disney World.
Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen - Ashley Noelle Loader
Company member of the Toledo Ballet and participant in Steps on Broadway Pre-Professional Summer Intensive Program, Ashley Noelle Loader aspires to open a dance studio and form her own professional dance company. She is an honor roll student and received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Publications.
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen - Giselle Ugarte
Giselle Ugarte is an honor roll student who has been accepted to Stanford University's summer college for gifted youth and was ranked in the 99th percentile nationally for mathematics on the PSAT. Founder and president of her school dance team and peer ministry, Giselle hopes to obtain a medical degree and become a dermatologist.
Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen - Natalie Wood
Member of the Latin Honors Society and National Achievement Academy, Natalie Wood would like to obtain a degree in journalism and become a writer for a teen magazine. She was named Miss Mississippi Junior Dancer 2003, Deborah Kaye School of Dance Hall of Fame & Outstanding Dancer 2005 and is a UCA All Star Cheerleader.
Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen - Airen Ferguson
Honor roll student and recipient of the North Central Missouri Conference Award and Perfect Attendance Award, Airen Ferguson hopes to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Development. She is the captain of the football cheerleaders and the wrestling cheerleaders and has received the Presidential Fitness Award.
Miss Montana's Outstanding Teen - Jacqueline F. Irigoin
Jacqueline F. Irigoin is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of a superior rating in the MCTM Math Competition. She is the president-elect of her student council and hopes to one day become a practicing attorney. Jacqueline was also the district basketball tournament MVP and she placed first in a national dance
competition.
Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen - Jessica Jurhee States
Jessica Jurhee States has varsity letters in cheerleading, tennis and golf and has volunteered over 300 hours to help establish the local Children's Museum. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout middle and high school, is a member of the National Honor Society and hopes to obtain a degree in Business and Music.
Miss Nevada's Outstanding Teen - Raechel Prosser
National Junior Honor Society member and previous Student of the Month, Raechel Prosser earned a $1,000 dance scholarship at the age of four. She won a Shirley Temple look-a-like contest on Regis & Kathie Lee at age five and has danced on three cruise ships and in Disneyland. Raechel would like to become a fashion photographer.
Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen - Meghan Lamontagne
Member of the National Honor Society and VFW Essay Award Winner, Meghan Lamontagne graduated in the top 5% of her class in middle school. She is Pelham High School's Feature Twirler and also participates in a peer outreach program. She has performed for the Boston Celtics at the 2003 AXA Liberty Bowl and hopes to one day become a journalist or broadcaster.
Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen - Katie Berry
Katie Berry is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the President's Award for Academic Excellence. She played "Clara" in Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular and hopes to one day dance in a major ballet company such as American Ballet Theater.
Miss New Mexico's Outstanding Teen - Sara Elizabeth Ryan
President of her junior class and USAA National Honor Roll Award winner, Sara Elizabeth Ryan placed first and Best of Show in the state Spirit Fest dance competition. She is a varsity cheerleader and hopes to obtain a degree in communications and pursue a career in television.
Miss New York's Outstanding Teen - Amanda Lee Alicea
Recipient of a Johns Hopkins University Talent Search Scholarship, Amanda Lee Alicea helped raise over $28,000 for muscular dystrophy research as a member of the Executive Committee, MDA Super Dance. She received the Presidential Education Gold Seal Award for Outstanding Academics and is a recipient of the Outstanding Citizen
of New York Award. She hopes to become an attorney.
Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen - Kayla Brooke Moran
Kayla Brooke Moran ranked third in her high school class of 428 students with a GPA of 4.5. She received the NC Outstanding Teen Community Service Award 2005 and is a member of the Varsity Dance Team. She would like to become a national news broadcaster.
Miss North Dakota's Outstanding Teen - Laura Peinovich
A member of the National Honor Society with a 4.0 GPA, Laura Peinovich was scholastically ranked first overall in her graduating class. She is an award recipient of the Red River Dance & Performing Company Competitive Dance and she hopes to one day become a pharmacist.
Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen - Ali Nance
Miss Teen Dance America 2004 and Miss Junior Dance America 2003, Ali Nance volunteers for Relay for Life, is a Star Systems' and Showstoppers' National Opening Act and has received a scholarship to the Broadway Dancer Center. She hopes to obtain a degree in performing arts with honors and become a Broadway performer.
Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen - Becca Hester
Best Supporting Actress, Jenks High School Thespians, Becca Hester hopes to one day perform in local, regional and Broadway arenas. She received the Sophomore English Writing Award and is a member of the OMEA All State Choir, the Trojanaires Show Choir and the Trojan Players Drama Troupe.
Miss Oregon's Outstanding Teen - Katie Ericson
National Honor Society member, Student of the Month in Fine Arts and American Legion Essay winner, Katie Ericson hopes to become an international emergency relief doctor. She is a member of volleyball and basketball teams and also qualified for All-State Band and Jazz Band.
Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen - Annie Rosellini
Annie Rosellini has won numerous awards in state and national dance competitions. She is a member of the Cecchetti Ballet Company of PA, a Radio Disney dancer, and attended an intensive summer ballet program at Central PA Youth Ballet. An honor student, Annie Rosellini wishes to continue dance education in college and
aspires to be a professional dancer.
Miss Rhode Island's Outstanding Teen - Kacie Noelle Ferraro
With scholastic achievements awards in math, English, independent voice, Italian, Spanish and art, Kacie Noelle Ferraro is a high honor student who hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She received the New York City Dance Alliance "Outstanding Tap Award" 2004 and is a dance instructor/choreographer at a privately owned studio.
Miss South Carolina's Outstanding Teen - Lindley Michele Mayer
Class President and recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award, Lindley Michele Mayer is on the Principal's honor roll and a member of the BETA Club. She was presented the Prudential Spirit of Community National Award by Rudy Giuliani and even has a day named after her -- March 6, 2003 was designated Lindley Mayer Day in honor of her outstanding community service.
Miss South Dakota's Outstanding Teen - Hailey Soyland
Hailey Soyland has recorded three CDs, opened shows for Loretta Lynn and the Oak Ridge Boys, and sang on stage with Willie Nelson. An Honor Society member, she has varsity letters in band, chorus, volleyball and basketball. Hailey hopes to become a professional musician/entertainer.
Miss Tennessee's Outstanding Teen - Madeline Littrell
Madeline Littrell has performed with BB King and Marguerite Piazza and was the youngest entertainer ever hired by Libertyland Amusement Park. She was also a finalist in Loretta Lynn's National Talent Search. A member of the National Junior Honor Society and recipient of the Top Scholar Award, Madeline hopes to become a professional entertainer and motivational speaker.
Miss Texas' Outstanding Teen - Meghan Miller
Recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Lifetime Award and member of the National Honor Society, Meghan Miller developed a character curriculum which is being used in elementary schools. She has starred in an independent film, is enrolled in an advanced placement/honors program and aspires to become an attorney.
Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen - Jennifer Gulbrandsen
Jennifer Gulbrandsen is enrolled in advanced placement and honors classes and hopes to one day become a U.S. Supreme Court Judge. She received a final callback for the Broadway revival of the "Sound of Music" and is also a recipient of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra Young Artist of the Year Award.
Miss Vermont's Outstanding Teen - Brittany Rhoads
Host and spokesperson for the internationally viewed i-Safe production video designed to stop online bullying among young people, Brittany Rhoads has received talent, photogenic, community service and scholarship awards. An honor roll student, she hopes to obtain a master's degree in communications and broadcasting.
Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen - Elle Bunn
Elle Bunn has performed the National Anthem at the Salt Lake City Convention Center and the Baltimore Convention Center. A member of the National Honor Society, she has also lettered in academics and varsity volleyball. Elle hopes to one day become an ESPN sports broadcaster.
Miss Virgin Islands' Outstanding Teen - Shakyma Roshundia Mercado
Shakyma Roshundia Mercado is on the Principal's Honor Roll and a U.S. Achievements All-American Scholar. She was a performer at the first annual Virgin Islands Music Awards and is a member of the Music in Motion Contemporary Youth Dance Ensemble. She hopes to obtain a medical degree and become a plastic surgeon.
Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen - Shalane Larango
A member of the National Society of High School Scholars and recipient of the Student of the Month Award, Shalane Larango auditioned and was accepted to the Radio City Music Hall Rockette Summer Intensive Program. She received the 2005 Dance Educators of America Platinum Award and hopes to obtain a master's degree in
performing arts and become a professional dancer.
Miss West Virginia's Outstanding Teen - Veronika Aleiss Ohlinger
A member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America, Veronika Aleiss Ohlinger is the president of her junior class. She is the captain of her high school dance team and a member of the All-State Chorus. She hopes to obtain a degree in broadcasting and one day host her own television show.
Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen - Tonya Popowski
A member of the 2000 World Team for baton twirling, Tonya Popowski is a five-time Milwaukee County Twirl Champion and three-time Miss Majorette of Wisconsin Royalty. She hopes to obtain a degree in mass communications and aspires to be a news broadcaster.
Miss Wyoming's Outstanding Teen - Courtney Gifford
Courtney Gifford is a member of the Honor Society and vice president of her high school student body and Spanish club. She helped create a city mural and participated in the world competition for Destination Imagination. A blue ribbon winner from the WY High School Art Symposium, Courtney hopes to become an elementary school teacher.
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A sister company to the Miss America Organization, Miss America's Outstanding Teen promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens. The 2005 competition will be held at the Linda Chapin Theater, Orange County Convention Center from August 17-20. For more information, please go to www.MAOTeen.org.
Additional information about Miss America's Outstanding Teen, as well as updated competition news and downloadable images, can be found at http://www.MAOTeen.org. Media who wish to cover the 2005 Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant can download a Press Credential package online at http://www.MAOTeen.org/credentials.