Outstanding Teen Wins $69,000 in Scholarships
High school senior Lauren Molella is college bound with $69,000 in scholarships thanks to the Miss New York Outstanding Teen program.
Lauren entered the MNYOT program in June 2011, and caught the judges' attention. Although she did not win the national title last summer, she was the recipient of the Chancellor's Award in recognition of Scholarly Achievement and Outstanding Accomplishments from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. The award came with a $61,000 scholarship.
On a college visit, Lauren auditioned for the University's dance repertory ensemble and was awarded an additional $8,000. At the time, Lauren was just 16 years old.
“I emphatically thank everyone affiliated with MAOTeen pageant for all the opportunities afforded me including my education at Troy," Lauren said. "Thank you Troy University for accepting me not only to the school, but also to your fantastic dance program.”
Lauren couldn’t believe all this was made possible through Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program. While visiting Troy University, she was thrilled with the college’s curriculum, the degree program she will pursue, and, of course, the beautiful campus and surrounding areas. Promptly Lauren decided Troy University was to be her new home. She will major in Pre-Med.
“I looked for a long time for the perfect college for me and I just hadn't found any college that seemed to have everything I wanted," Lauren said. "Troy had all of these options, a gorgeous campus, and everywhere I turned I met the kindest, and most helpful people. All those facts combined with the great weather led me to accept my scholarship at Troy.
Lauren completed advanced placement courses during high school, and as a senior, she went full-time to community college to earn an Associate's degree in science.
Source: Lauren Molella
Princess Camp Pre-Sale Ends Today
The 2012 Miss America Outstanding Teen Princess Camp pre-sale registration ends today, February 15, 2012. Click here to register now, and use promo code PRINCESS12 to save $300!
Applications for the MAOT mentoring program are being accepted for girls ages five-twelve-years-old. The Princess Camp will be held in Orlando, Florida on August 14-19.
Princess Camp gives young contestants the opportunity to team up with MAOTeens and learn the tricks of the trade. Girls will get on-stage experience in a production number in the national pageant, and other on-stage events. Courses designed for the girls will give them insight from experts and authors. Expect nothing but fun during the camp's fashion show, photo-shoot and make over session. Campers will also spend time with Miss America's Outstanding Teen, and walk the Pink Carpet as MAOTeen celebrities.
Spaces are limited. Register your princess today!
Source and photo: MAOT
MAOTeen Collecting, Donating Dresses
Prom dresses are taking a second spin on the dance floor thanks to MAOTeen 2011 Elizabeth Fechtel and nonprofit organizations in Florida. Gently used prom dresses donated to Loft 181 on behalf of Caitlin's Closet will be collected this month, and given away to teenage girls in foster care.
"Ask any girl, and she will tell you that half the fun of going to prom is the process of getting ready and figuring out what to wear," Elizabeth says. "As a senior in high school, I know there are many girls who feel held back from attending prom because of financial reasons. Prom is the highlight of the year, and I am proud to support such a rewarding cause."
Another former MAOT, Caitlin Brunell, founded Caitlin's Closet, and collected more than nine thousand prom dresses to donate to girls in need. To donate your prom or cocktail dress or pageant gown, mail it by March 10 to
MAOTeen, Inc.
℅ Elizabeth Fechtel
13911 W Hillsborough Ave Ste 168
Tampa, FL 33635
If you are a current or former titleholder, include a headshot and a message for the teens. Prom accessories will also be accepted. Include the value of the donation to receive a tax receipt.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Source: MAOTeen Photo: Jenn Cady
Miss Arizona Co-Hosts ABC15 Now!
Miss Arizona 2011 Jennifer Sedler weighed in on timely and controversial topics on ABC15 Now! Thursday.
Watch what she has to say about airline taxes, beach regulations, women in combat, and approaching strange dogs.
Outstanding Preteen on a Winning Streak
Alexis Crosen, winner of the recent fourpoints Coach Bag Giveaway, is on a winning streak!
By signing up to receive fourpoints magazine at the Miss America Pageant this January, Alexis entered into a contest to win the purse, and she did! Now, Alexis has been crowned Miss VA Dogwood's Outstanding Preteen. Next, she will compete in the Miss Virginia's Outstanding Preteen competition. Alexis' mother Rebecca said her daughter carries the purse everywhere she goes, and considers it her "good luck charm."
"She is over the moon excited. Between going to see Miss America, winning the bag, and now the prelim title, she is just more in love with the Miss America program, and what it stands for," Rebecca says.
It's a Team Effort in Alabama
The Miss Alabama pageant may be most well known for giving us our first deaf Miss America, Heather Whitestone, but the pageant has both a rich history and an exciting future.
The Birmingham News started the pageant in 1921. In the early years, both Miss Birmingham and Miss Alabama competed for the national title of Miss America. Eventually, Miss Birmingham (along with Miss Mobile and Miss Montgomery) became local titles. Today, the pageant has a grand total of forty-seven locals–closed, open and university pageants.
It takes a lot of people and time to keep the Miss Alabama pageant going throughout the year, and especially during pageant week. Executive Director Nan Teninbaum credits many people behind-the-scenes for the success of the pageants.
"Our board of directors is most definitely a working board," says Nan. "Everyone has assignments. We couldn't do it without the parents of former Miss Alabama’s who pitch in and help."
Another group of people that help tremendously with the pageant are Miss Alabama alumni. Whether they are former Miss Alabama’s or local contestants, they are great resources for the Miss Alabama pageant.
"You have got to involve your alumni," says Nan. "Let them know that you need their help. A young lady who has been through the program will love to educate someone else on the values of her experience. I have found many times that the young lady who never wins gets the most out of the experience.
The pageant also has a large group of generous donors and sponsors that allow both the pageant and the titleholder to have the best year possible. It's clear that the Miss Alabama program is doing something right. With three Miss Americas to call their own, nearly fifty local pageants, and dozens of volunteers, it's easy to see that the organization is on the right track. According to Nan, their collective success comes from simple dedication.
"We get paid for our time in so many different ways," says Nan. "We wouldn't do what we do if we didn't truly believe in the program."
Read more about the Miss Alambama pageant in the December/January 2011-12 issue of fourpoints
Written by: Julie Anne Long. Photo: Danny Barrett of Pageant Works
Somer Allen is Taking Her Platform Worldwide
Miss Lights of the Delta Somer Allen is more than glitz and glamour, and she sure isn't wearing heels during her four-month stay in Uganda. Somer is currently volunteering with the Outreach Mission Program, where she will forgo the traditional pageant exterior to focus on the beauty within.
Somer is taking her platform worldwide In Lira, Uganda where her daily routine includes working in schools, hospitals, prisons and outreach ministries. Somer's platform is "Service and Involvement: Promoting a Positive Future."
At home in Arkansas, Somer is a frequent volunteer at the Lights of the Delta Festival, the Northeast Arkansas Pageant and the Blytheville Tree Lighting Ceremony, Taylor Home Open House, the Chuck & Steve radio show. Somer also volunteered at the Children's Miracle Ball in Little Rock.
Somer, former Miss Northeast Arkansas 2011 and third alternate to Miss Arkansas, will be home in May to get ready for the 2012 Lights of the Delta Festival at the Miss Arkansas Pageant in July. Until then, you can read more about her adventures in her blog!
Source: Marrietta Jerome, Director of Lights of the Delta Pageant in Blytheville, Arkansas
Aloha from Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape!
Miss Hawaii shares a story with us about her Miss America 2012 experience!
Dancing with the Gloucester County Stars
In each issue of fourpoints, we like to provide local and state pageant volunteers with fundraising ideas that are a good for each program, whether it is a new idea or a time-tested classic fundraiser. One reader and local pageant volunteer took our scholarship ideas to the next level. 
“You have featured a variety of articles that have encouraged us local directors to think outside the box to raise scholarship money,” says Tracy Olson of the Miss Gloucester County pageant. “Due in part to that encouragement, this past March, I took on the challenge of a local fundraising program entitled Dancing with the Gloucester County Stars.”
The program, run by the Chamber of Commerce, takes six Gloucester County notable figures from the community (3 women and 3 men) and gives them an opportunity to dance for their cause. Tracy chose the Miss Gloucester County Scholarship Organization, a local preliminary to the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation.
To learn more about this awesome scholarship idea, subscribe to fourpoints!
Spotlight: Miss New Hampshire Outstanding Teen 2012 Lauren Percy
Lauren Percy began working with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals for two years. 
“I remember my first time ever volunteering at a children’s hospital in Boston,” says Lauren. “Somebody warned me and said, ‘Be careful, Lauren. You just might fall in love.’ I fell head over heels in love.”
After that first visit, Lauren felt a rush of happiness that has stuck with her through her service with CMN.
“It may sound cheesy, but the second you walk into that hospital, you know there is some sort of magic going on. Something more than medicine is making miracles for the kids,” says Lauren.
Want to learn more about Lauren? Subscribe to fourpoints!
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