The Journey to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen for Alisa Vasquez started back in November 2014 when she competed in her first Outstanding Teen competition. A resident of Washingtonville, NY, she had competed and held titles in pageants representing the Southern New York region before. Alisa has previously competed in National American Miss and Miss Westchester’s Teen, hoping to further her platform Fearfully, Wonderfully, and Beautifully Made. 

She traveled upstate to the Finger Lakes region where she competed in the Little Miss Finger Lakes pageant. Five teenagers would compete in all official categories for the chance at one of two titles- Miss Finger Lakes’ Outstanding Teen or Miss Upstate New York’s Outstanding Teen. Jillian Larson went home that night with the Miss Finger Lakes Outstanding Teen title, and Alisa Vasquez took the Miss Upstate New York’s Outstanding Teen Title.

Both Teens competed in the Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen pageant in May, held in Saratoga Springs, NY.  Surprisingly, both also made Top 5. Jillian took the 3rd Runner up spot and Alisa won Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen. She jumped straight to work preparing for the national competition; the 10th anniversary of the national teen pageant.

 

Monday

The first phase of competition for Alisa was the private interview.

 

Tuesday

Jamie arrived in Orlando on Tuesday, to cheer on her “little sister” at the national competition. She proudly announced on Facebook that Miss New York 1996, Tammy Harris-LoDrago, had sent her a Disney themed welcome package. It’s no secret that Jamie is a huge Disney fan, or that the Miss New York sisterhood is so special.

On the first night of the preliminary competition, Alisa competed in the Evening Gown and On-stage Question portion of the pageant. Teens model their gowns, the immediately draw their question from the fishbowl. This score is both elegance and confidence on stage, as well as their public speaking ability.

Preliminary Awards:

Evening Gown/On Stage Question: Miss Arizona’s Outstanding Teen, Jessi Gradillas

Talent: Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen Shereen Pimentel

Wednesday

Prior to watching the second night of preliminaries, Jamie was able to pick out a Sherri Hill evening gown to be used during crowning. Unlike last year, when each contestant competed in a custom Tony Bowels gown, the ladies will compete in the gown of their choice. However, during the final competition, when the Top 5 are on stage, all other contestants will wear a white Sherri Hill gown. It will certainly add a unique and elegant vibe to the stage.

On the second night of the preliminary competition, Alisa competed in the fitness category. Unlike in the Miss portion, Teens wear an athletic outfit and perform a fitness routine. Alisa is incredibly fit, crediting it to having two athletes for parents. There is not a fitness preliminary award given, but it would be a good assumption based on her perfect pushup at Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen that she rocked this fitness routine as well.

Preliminary Awards:

Evening Gown/On Stage Question: Miss New Hampshire’s Outstanding Teen, Alexandra Nault

Talent: Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen, Gracie Stover

Thursday

Jamie started the day with a photoshooot with dick clark productions. The Class of 2015 was then invited to a dinner hosted by Regalia Magnificent Apparel and the Miss Florida Executive Director.

 

On the third night of preliminary competition, Alisa competed in talent. She decided to sing the song Reflection, from the Disney classic Mulan. Not only does it highlight her voice, but the lyrics are great compliments to her platform- Fearfully, Wonderfully, and Beautifully Made.

Preliminary Awards:

Evening Gown/On Stage Question: Miss South Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, Sarah Hamrick

Talent: Miss Arizona’s Outstanding Teen, Jessi Gradillas

Friday

When in Orlando, why not go to Disney? Jamie spent the day in the happiest place on earth: Disney World.

Saturday

Jamie spent the morning in orientation with her Miss America sisters, discussing top secret production plans and social media incentives. This year the Miss America Organization, in partnership with dick clark productions, created consistent, verified Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for all of the titleholders to use during their reigns. This will help regulate the Miss America and state franchise brand posts. If you haven’t already, be sure to “like” Jamie’s new public Facebook page! Note: The Miss New York Organization Facebook page will remain active and include updates pertaining to the Organization itself. She also received her official Joseph Ribkoff outfit for opening number and parade of states.

Top Ten

South Carolina, Sarah Hamrick;  New Hampshire, Alexandra Nault; Indiana, Audrey Ferguson; Arizona, Jessica Gradillas; Georgia,  Victoria Smith; New Jersey, Shereen Pimentel; Texas, Addyson Jackson; Nebraska, Stefany Lien; Oklahoma, Carrigan Bradley; People’s Choice: Nevada, Lauren Watson.

Crowning

 

4th RU: Oklahoma, Carrigan Bradley
3rd RU: Arizona, Jessica Gradillas
2nd RU: Indiana, Audrey Ferguson
1st RU: Texas, Addyson Jackson
MAOTeen: New Hampshire, Alexandra Nault

Award Ceremony

Following crowning, the contestants attended an award ceremony for the additional awards. Alisa was lucky enough to have received not only the non-finalist interview award, but also the Spirit of America Award. The second award is very similar to a Miss Congeniality Award, and is voted on by her peers.