This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, and everyone has been celebrating with much anticipation - especially because the 90th Miss Connecticut is soon to be crowned. As the current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner, prepares to pass on her crown & title, anxious, young women are ready to share with all, what makes them the next Miss Connecticut! One such contestant is Miss Bristol 2018, Victoria Lemme. Continue reading to learn more about Victoria and her journey to the crown!

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What does being Miss Connecticut 2018 mean to you?
This year, the 90th anniversary Miss Connecticut will be crowned.  The opportunity to fulfill the job of Miss Connecticut 2018 is a privilege and an honor that I have been dreaming of and working for each and every day.  Becoming Miss Connecticut means continuing to be a servant, leader, and role model not only to our state, but to the entire nation.

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in the Miss Connecticut system? What challenges did you face in preparing for Miss Connecticut?
I began preparing for this year’s state pageant the day after last year’s state pageant.  I left with a fire in my soul, a list of additional goals to achieve, and a vision to become Miss Connecticut 2018.  I have expanded my platform by founding my own program, Bundles of Joy: Blankets for Babies; I have embraced my flaws and have used them to grow; and most importantly I have had the support of a village working to ensure that I am physically, emotionally, and mentally ready to take on the job of Miss Connecticut.


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, since being crowned Miss Bristol 2018?
As Miss Bristol, I have had countless memorable experiences making it difficult to choose just three. I participated for the 4th year in HuskyTHON, UConn’s 18-hour dance marathon benefiting Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  I made my second large donation of baby blankets to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center at UConn Health Center on behalf of my program Bundles of Joy: Blankets For Babies.  Last but certainly not least; I have been able to serve in the Bristol community attending events such as the annual Pequabuck River Duck Race and Breakfast with Santa at the Giamatti Little League Center.

How have you strived to not only promote your personal platform, but also help raise money for the MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
My platform, Fight Like a Baby: The Battle of Prematurity strives to advocate for and provide comfort to babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the nation.  Miss America’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, encompasses NICU babies within the support and funds it provides to children and families across North America.  I have hosted a master dance class, paint party, and dinner fundraiser with all proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Miss America Scholarship Fund.


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?
Who better to lead the Miss America Organization than women who have been in the shoes of a Miss America once before?  I could not be more excited to be a part of a new era of pageantry led by such empowering women. Now more than ever, it is time to emphasize that The Miss America Organization is more than a pageant; it is a collection of change agents creating a path for generations to come.

What advice do you have for young women who are looking to step into the Miss America Organization?
My advice for young women looking to join the Miss America sisterhood is to believe in oneself and go for it.  I never thought that I would be one to participate in pageants, but because I took that leap of faith to participate in my first MAO local 3 years ago, I only regret not joining this amazing organization sooner!  The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization is far from the stereotypical pageant world; the emphasis of this organization is truly based around the four points of the crown: Service, Scholarship, Style, and Success.


How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
The Miss America Organization has given me the confidence to be a role model that demonstrates what it means to embrace and love who I am unconditionally.  A goal that I have as a titleholder is to remain true to myself. Part of being human is trying to fit in with society, but what we don’t realize is that we lose the unique components that make us each who we are in the process. Even with the crown on my head I love to be goofy, crack jokes, and make others laugh because that is who I am. If there’s one quote that I can model to others, that is “Don’t lose the spark that makes you, you.”


What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to overcome it?
Technology has provided many advancements and opportunities in our society; however, with advanced technology comes new platforms for social issues related to harassment and abuse.  Specifically, cyber-bullying is of growing concern and the most common risk for youths today. Moving forward, the biggest struggle for cyber-bullying prevention will be to match the fast pace of technological innovation with effective education and preventative techniques.

Regardless of whoever wins the title of Miss Connecticut 2018, what is one goal you have for the new title-holder, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
A goal that I have for the 90th Miss Connecticut is to continue to showcase how remarkable the Miss Connecticut Organization is.  Eliza has truly brought out the best in each individual local titleholder and it is my hope that our next Miss Connecticut will do the same!


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut?
I am “Bravura” because I have a lifelong passion for serving others.  I strive to live by the quote “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
The Miss Connecticut Class of 2018 is comprised of twenty-five exceptional young women.  My advice to the new class of contestants is to enjoy the journey as you are surrounded by the love of your sisters.  There’s no bond like the bond of sisters.


What words of thanks do you have for those who have supported you on this journey?
To Mom & Dad- My dreams are made possible because of your altruism and unwavering support.  I am eternally grateful that I was chosen to be your daughter. I love you!

To my sister Tay- I would not want to be on the journey to Miss Connecticut with anyone but you. You push me to be the best version of myself.

To my aunt Pam and uncle Phil- I can always count on you to be by my side at every event. It takes a village to be successful and I am thankful to have you as a part of mine.

To my local director Linda- I am prepared for the Miss Connecticut lifestyle because you have provided that opportunity to me as a local titleholder. Thank you for everything you do to prepare your girls, it truly does not go unnoticed.

To Eliza- You were my first friend in the Miss America Organization and for that I cannot be more grateful.  I am where I am today because of you.

To Alyssa and Kim- You both have aided me in growing as a person and as a titleholder.  Thank you for always believing in me.

To my friends (there are way too many to name)- Thank you for supporting my dreams and helping me to achieve them. I know I can always count on you all to be my workout buddies, my current events experts, and my number one fans.


Where can people follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss Bristol 2018 – Tori Lemme.
Instagram: @missbristolctmao.
Email: missbristolctmao@gmail.com.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Be sure to join us for the 90th Anniversary Miss Connecticut Pageant on June 8th and 9th at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT!