MISS AMERICA?

This month, America’s sweetheart, Miss America 2011, told us all about what it’s like to be Miss America! At age 17, Teresa Scanlan, from Gering, Nebraska, was the youngest Miss America in 90 years when she was crowned last year. She just turned over the crown to the new Miss America on January 14. Miss America logs approximately 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 18 to 36 hours supporting charitable and community endeavors. She stayed super busy during the past year but took a few minutes to interview with Kidsville News! as her reign came to an end.

TRUMAN: Wow, Miss America! That is a big title. What does it take to become Miss America?

SCANLAN: There are four points on the crown, and they stand for four things: style, success, scholarship and service. To become Miss America, you must focus on each of these aspects of your life and become the most well-rounded and confident woman you can be. The competition itself includes five components: interview, evening gown, lifestyle and fitness, on-stage question and talent. Also, each contestant must have a platform, which is an issue you believe to be important, and focus your volunteer activities on addressing it.

TRUMAN: When, and why, did you first become interested in competing in pageants?

SCANLAN: My interest began when I was 13 years old because I’m the middle of seven children and wanted to go to law school, so I needed to find a way to earn scholarships. I learned about the scholarships you could earn from competing, as well as the opportunities for public speaking and community involvement, which I knew would all benefit my future.

TRUMAN: What’s it like to be the youngest Miss America in 90 years, at only 17 years old?

SCANLAN: It is so incredible to represent an organization that has been a part of American tradition for 90 years! I’ve realized that age truly does not hold you back in anything if you don’t let it.

TRUMAN: Is this really a “job?” Do you get paid to be Miss America?

SCANLAN: Yes! The job includes a variety of different responsibilities and obligations, and you receive a salary for the year. When you become Miss America, you go on a year-long speaking tour, spending less than 30 days out of the year at home.

TRUMAN: What do you do? Describe a typical day on the job.

SCANLAN: There is definitely no “typical day” with this job! As Miss America, I serve as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, work with my platform on eating disorders, represent Amway’s Artistry brand of skincare and cosmetics, serve as a brand ambassador for the designer Joseph Ribkoff, work with the military and USO and so much more!

TRUMAN: What’s the hardest part of your job?

SCANLAN: A difficult part of my job is being away from family and friends for so long and setting aside my personal life for a year in order to focus on this responsibility.

TRUMAN: What’s the best part of your job?

SCANLAN: There are so many incredible parts of my job! I love meeting new people every day, being able to serve and help others and travel! I’m on a plane about every two days and have visited 36 states and five countries this year!

TRUMAN: What is your favorite hobby or thing to do when you are not working?

SCANLAN: I love singing, dancing, playing piano and guitar, and so many other things as well! I love trying new things every day, so my hobbies and interests never end!

TRUMAN: What was your favorite subject in school?

SCANLAN: I loved government and history classes, as I’d like to become an attorney, judge and politician in the future.

TRUMAN: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

SCANLAN: From the time I was about seven years old, I wanted to be a lawyer, then a judge, then President of the United States and a Supreme Court Justice. And I still do!

TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in this profession?

SCANLAN: For those who dream of becoming Miss America and are interested in getting involved, follow your passions! Focus on the four tenets of the crown in your own life and find ways to get involved in your community! Think of ways you can serve those around you and make a positive impact; that is what Miss America is all about— serving others and being an example to those around you.

TRUMAN: You’ve just crowned a new Miss America 2012. So now what? What’s next for you?

SCANLAN: This next year, I’m recording an album before starting college at Patrick Henry College to study government, after which I’ll attend law school and follow my plans to become a criminal prosecution attorney!

TRUMAN: You’ve already done so much as Miss America 2011. And, it sounds like you are going to accomplish great things with your life. Thanks for talking to us about your terrific job, and good luck!

Photo credit: Miss America Organization.