Each year, each state crowns a new Outstanding Teen, who will represent them at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. For the past two years, we’ve been hosting a, “Road To…,” series, for which each local contestant has shared with the readers of Bravura Magazine, a bit more about themselves, their platform, their experience within the Miss America Organization, and so much more. And for each state title-holder it is a bittersweet moment because they know what all comes with gaining the title of their state’s Outstanding Teen, but it’s now a time for them to look forward to the future – whether it’s college applications or gearing up for the Miss pageant! Last year, Nicole Jia, crowned a new MAOTeen, and this year Jessica Baeder, of Alabama, will crown a new titleholder. One of her MAOTeen sisters, who is giving up her title in just a few short days, is Carly Fisher, of Massachusetts. We were able to catch up with Carly for an intimate interview before she crowns a new MAOTeen MA. Continue reading to learn about Carly’s time as Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen, and what the future holds for her.

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How does one balance a teenage lifestyle, title of MAOTeenMA, a high school career, and so much more at the same time?
A whole lot of practice! It took me a little while after being crowned to figure things out. It all comes down to prioritizing things. School always has to come first. Before I scheduled an appearance or made plans with my friends, I always made sure that school was squared away. After school, it’s all about finding a balance: a balance between being a titleholder, a student, a varsity athlete, and a member of my schools’s drama department. Going into this I knew I only had year, so I tried to do as much with the crown as I possibly could. With that being said I also knew it was important to make time for my friends. They’ve been my rock over this past year so this balancing act really also comes down to having an amazing support system.


Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in MAOTeen? What challenges did you face in preparing for MAOTeen?
As some people probably know, I’m a speed painter so I spent a lot of time in the studio. When I competed last year at Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, I painted Lucille Ball. After winning I had this crazy idea to paint upside down. I had seen some viral videos of speed painters doing it and I was captivated that much more. I worked so hard during the following weeks to perfect it. By the end I honestly think it looks better upside down then it ever did right side up! As far as interview prep, most of it happened with my mom in the car. I’d be jamming to the 70s station, and all of a sudden the music would go down and the questions would start. It ended up being a great way to casually talk through topics and get ideas for possible answers. One of the biggest challenges was trying to figure out how to get a 6-foot easel to Florida intact. There were many days I envied the dancers who could throw a pair of jazz shoes in a bag and be done with it. With a whole lot of help I was able to get the easel, 3 pieces of plexiglass, a table for all of my materials, and a whole lot of paint and brushes down to the sunshine state.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, while serving as MAOTeen for your state?
People seem to keep asking me this question and it takes me a few minutes to think of my answer because I’ve had so many amazing experiences. I think anyone who has competed at MAOTeen can agree with me that there’s something so special about the first night of prelims when the lights come on when the opening number starts. The excitement in that moment is something unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and being able to share that with the other 50 girls was so special. Another amazing moment was when I had the opportunity to visit Boston Children’s Hospital, one of Massachusetts’ two CMN hospitals. I went in for an event called prince and princess day. I was able to just hang out with the kids and do some arts and crafts. I was brought to tears that day when Miss Boston 2017 Gabriela Tavares walked over to two little girls who had been really quiet ever since they came in. It turns out that they didn’t speak English, but the look on their faces when Gabby was able to talk to them in Spanish was breathtaking. Other memorable experiences came in the form of the small things. I always loved taking my crown off and letting the kids wear it. Seeing them light up time and time again is something I’m going to miss being able to do.


How have you worked to not only promote your personal platform, but also your national platform towards Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
My personal platform is the Martin Richard Foundation. The foundation works to get kids involved in volunteering in honor of Martin, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. I’ve been able to go into schools and talk to elementary students about who Martin was and the importance of choosing kindness every day. The kids and I worked together on making peace murals which were then hung in the school so they could help teach the other kids about the organization. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are very dear to my heart. Not only was I a patient but my experience visiting the hospital inspired me to do everything I could to help those kids. With the help and support of so many people fundraising efforts for Boston Children’s Hospital totaled a little over $21,000. I was awarded the Miracle Maker award at MAOTeen and I’m just so grateful that the opportunity to raise money was given to me through this program.

With the recent news which has been brought up in regards to the former Miss America Org. board, what do you hope the future of the MAO holds with their new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson?
I’m looking forward to everything that Gretchen Carlson will be able to accomplish. I’m hoping that under the new leadership, the Miss America Organization will be able to grow in the public eye. Just about anyone you ask knows that Miss America is a thing but few know what this organization actually embodies. Many of my closest friends didn’t even understand that this organization is not another stereotype. I believe that with the help of Gretchen Carlson MAO will be widely known for its commitment to the academic success of its participants as well as its dedication to service.


It seems that we’re heading into a path towards women empowerment with these changes; what advice do you have for young women who are looking to step in to the Miss America Organization?
Unlike what most people believe, there is not one type of girl who competes in this program. I always am telling people that there isn’t a mold you have to fit in order to be a part of it. The changes being made I believe will highlight this and further extend the reach of this organization to people who maybe once thought they couldn’t be a part of MAO. Although I also believe that this women empowerment isn’t something new for MAO. This organization isn’t defined only by those in executive positions. It is defined by the volunteers and the young women who compete. This organization has always been about empowering women, we have just finally gotten to a point where that is also reflected in those in leadership positions.

Pageants, in general, are so highly criticized by so many people across the world. What do you have to say to those who speak negatively about pageants?
Whenever someone criticizes pageants to my face, which has happened plenty of times, I always tell them to take a day and show up to a pageant or show up to an event where a titleholder will be. Actions speak louder than words and the best way to make critics realize the truth is for them to see it first-hand. If a critic went to an event or a pageant they would see that this organization is not about the girl who wears the crown it is about what she can do to help others because she has the crown. Trust me, these critics don’t have much to say after they take me up on this challenge.


How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I try my best to let other people define me as a role model. Everything I do is not done looking for praise or recognition. My actions would be the same even with nobody there to clap or congratulate me. One of my favorite parts of reading the interviews done with the 15 phenomenal girls competing for MAOTeenMA has been seeing their answers to the question about what they have learned from me that helps them be a better Outstanding Teen. Seeing the impact that I’ve been able to make has been amazing.

What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to over-come it?
Each issue that is facing my generation can be related back to an issue of mental health. Whether is be bullying, substance abuse, or violence toward oneself or others, mental health pays a major role. I believe that this cannot be fixed until the stigma around mental illness is eliminated. Once as a general population we can see and treat mental illness for what is, there will be change for all of these issues. This starts by educating people about the issues, and I don’t mean educating the youth. If anything, most kids my age recognize mental illness for what is it but other generations are the ones struggling to put forth necessary changes.



Now we are going to put a little challenge on you; we are going to ask you three of the five on-stage questions which were asked to the contestants during the Miss America 2018 pageant:

1. Maria Menounos asked: One hundred ninety-five countries signed the Paris agreement, in which each country sets nonbinding goals to reduce man-made climate change. The U.S. is withdrawing from the agreement, citing negligible environmental effects and negative economic impact. Good decision? Bad decision? Which is it and why?
   I believe that this is a good decision on the part of the United States. Mainly citing the negative economic impact, US funds should be dedicated to creating necessary change in our country. There are school systems failing to educate students due to inadequate funding. There are over 500,000 homeless people in the US. And there are citizens starving each and every day. Until we know for sure that steps being taken are guaranteed to reduce climate change, we should be investing in the betterment of our nation and its people.

2. Tara Lipinski asked: A recent poll found slightly over half of Americans favored leaving Confederate statues in place, while others want them removed. Keep them or get rid of them? What’s your vote and why?
   These statues represent a piece of American history. Unfortunately, there are still people in this country who share the beliefs of the Confederacy. I believe that these statues represent a very dark time in US History but they should be moved to museums or other places in which they can be remembered for their historical significance and not a racist viewpoint.

3. Thomas Rhett asked: Given the evidence that concussions from playing football can cause brain damage, would you support legislation that outlaws full-contact football in elementary and high school? Yes or no, and why?
   I’ve always been a big football fan. My entire family is made up of huge New England Patriots fans. Football has always been a part of my life just as it has been for many Americans. Football is part of American culture. I would not support this legislation. I believe the solution comes not from banning a piece of our culture but instead I would support efforts to create equipment that can adequately protect players from such brain damage. The science is out there it is just a matter of applying it.

Now that you’re all prepared for the Miss portion of Miss America, what are post-MAOTeen plans? How long until you compete in the Miss pageant? What are your future plans on college?
I’m not 100% sure what the future will bring, but I know for sure I’m going to take a year or two off. Coming up is my senior year of High School and I want to be able to focus on enjoying my senior year as well as all that comes with applying to and picking a college. I will pick it back up eventually, hopefully one day becoming Miss Massachusetts, but until then I’m going to enjoy watching from the crowd instead of the wings. As far as college goes, I’m still on the hunt. I have toured some amazing campuses and now it’s just a matter of sorting through the possibilities.

As you have a few years till you can compete again, how will you plan to prepare for your transition from the Teen to the Miss pageant?
It’s going to be a whole lot of the same. Competing comes down to being yourself and that’s not going to change anytime soon. My older sister just started competing so being able to watch her go through it and help her will be a great way for me to make the transition one day myself.


What is one goal you have for the new MAOTeenMA, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
I hope she is able to make it her own. Every titleholder has something new to bring to the table. I hope that whoever she is she doesn’t try to be something she isn’t. Her legacy will be made when she is being true to herself. As cheesy as that is I really hope she is able to do that.

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
I continuously tell the girls to only worry about themselves. They have no control over what the others are able to do. If anything, worrying about the other girls only distracts them from doing the best that they can do. In any competition, you should focus on yourself and doing the best you can possibly do.


What words of thanks for you have for your director, Donna Klamkin?
Donna, my year would not have been possible without your help. Growing up around this organization I have seen the way that you have changed the lives of each girl who has worn this crown. Your dedication to this organization is unmatched and I’m so grateful for everything that you do. Thank you.

Who else would you like to thank for supporting you throughout this journey?
My mom was instrumental in making every part of my year amazing. She is honestly my best friend and having her alongside me this past year was amazing. She accompanied me on every appearance and I would not have been able to have the experiences I did without her. I love you Mom!


Where can people follow you on social media post-reign?
Instagram: @__carlyfisher__, and Facebook: Carly Fisher.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
It has been an absolute honor to serve and represent that state of Massachusetts. There was never a dull moment with hat crown on my head. If anyone is reading this and debating whether or not to compete in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization I have two words for you: do it. I have not met a single person who regrets competing even if they never won a title. The skills you are able to gain and the friendships you are able to make are unmatched. The MAOTeen organization has made me into the person I am today and I am so grateful for that.