The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2018,” Miss New Haven County’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Kaliegh Garris. This 17-year-old currently attends two high schools for academics and theater, and she is ready to take the Miss Connecticut OT stage by storm. Continue reading to learn more about Kaliegh and her journey to the crown!

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For those who may not be familiar with you, tell our readers a bit about yourself and your background within the pageant world.
I am 17 years old a Junior in High School. I actually go to two high schools; one for academics and one for theatre. I dance competitively and enjoy modeling in New York. This was my first year competing in Miss Outstanding Teen. The experience has been so rewarding. I am making new friends that I know will last a lifetime. I have found that through this organization that I am able to reach more people to promote my platform.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Service towards my community is the most important to me. Through my local reign I have had the opportunity to go to different schools, hospitals, and other volunteer events to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed. Seeing all the smiling faces and the difference I make, no matter how small, makes my love for service endless.

During Brooke Cyr’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
Brooke has constantly radiated charisma for the Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen Program. She has made it her goal to get new girls involved in this system and has exceeded all expectations. I hope to emulate her by increasing my openness towards everyone. I want to ensure that everyone is included and feels like they have joined a family.


What have you learned from our current Miss Connecticut , Eliza Kanner, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Eliza has showed me how far a smile can travel. When she enters a room she always has a smile on her face which is so inviting and welcoming. She doesn’t have to say a word but you can see through her smile how proud she is to be herself and all the participants in the room.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My older sister has multiple disabilities but I didn’t want that to label who she is as a person. I have witnessed others look at and treat my sister differently because she is in a wheelchair. Individuals are quick to judge her and assume her limitations. Those individuals fail to see my sister for the kind, loving and caring person that she is. Through my platform ‘People First Language’ I will be able to show that people with disabilities are no different from you or I. Individuals with disabilities are just that, individuals, and should be seen for their unique talents and skills as all the us would want for ourselves.

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen should be someone who treats all individuals equally. As our children are growing up in a more diverse world, with the number of people with disabilities increasing, they will need the skills to be able work with and be good neighbors to anyone. I want to be a leader, advocate and role model in putting people first.


Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I have had a love for dance ever since I can remember, so it was no question my talent would be a contemporary dance solo. My solo is about finding hope within yourself because in the world we live in today we are constantly looking everywhere for it except within ourselves.

Having been in pageants and after winning a local title, what advice do you have for those who want to start competing in the MAO system?
I would just tell them that when you compete, be yourself. No one can be a better you than you, so show everyone one your beautiful shining self. Be open to the opportunities that this organization provides you.

Because of the way media and certain television networks have portrayed the lifestyle of pageantry, there is a preconceived notion of what a pageant girl is like. How do you think that being a part of the Miss America Organization you are able to break that barrier?
Through this organization we are able to show people that pageant girls are educated, well rounded women. This system gives girls opportunities that could not be found elsewhere. All the girls I have met are smart, hard working, and care for others. Being part of the Miss America Organization shows women in a light of leadership and service to others.


Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I hope they accomplish promoting the mission of the Miss America Organization. I would like to see more diversity among the girls who chose to participate and more sponsors interested in promoting the all the organization has to offer young women.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I am exceptional because I have pride in who I am, where I come from, and all I have to offer. I know that all things take hard work. I know that to achieve greatness you must have a dream and surround yourself with positive people who support you.

Where can people follow you on social media?
Instagram and Facebook.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
As it is my first year competing in this organization I am so excited for you to follow me along this journey. This organization has taught me so much and I have  already gained new friends and life lessons. With the opportunity to have held a national title already, I know the commitment that it takes to represent an organization on a national level. I am ready to bring that national title back to Connecticut.