The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2018” is the reigning Miss Greater Prince William County’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Ella Strickland. For Ella, she was influenced by family, as she saw her older cousin compete in the Miss Virginia Organization, and has never looked back since her first pageant at the age of 13! Continue reading to learn more about Ella 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.
Ever since I watched my older cousin compete in the Miss Northern Virginia scholarship pageant and win the preteen title, I knew it was something I wanted to do too.  With much family support, I competed in my first local preliminary pageant at age 13, and I am so glad I did.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
I believe that service is the most important point of the crown because I have personally seen the difference it makes in the community.  Even before pageants, I participated in service projects with my church; specifically, the Jeremiah Project, a local mission program for middle school students.

During Isabella’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
Isabella, both before and during her reign, has radiated passion for her platform, volunteerism.  If I am honored with the title, I hope to exude the same passion for promoting my platform, creating awareness about Type 1 Diabetes and a need for a cure.


What have you learned from our current Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Isabella, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
I’ve learned how important it is to be comfortable in public speaking roles, and to present myself with confidence and poise in all situations.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Awareness and Support.  I was diagnosed with the disease at age 12.  I want to create awareness about the need for funding and a cure, and to support others who deal with the many challenges of managing T1D.

If you were to win the title of Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
I would make sure today’s generation is aware that T1D is an autoimmune disease that has no cure.  It’s not caused by a lifestyle choice, and it is not controlled by diet.  As a Type 1 diabetic, I am insulin dependent.  I want people to be aware of the signs and symptoms and realize this is a serious but manageable disease.  It’s a disease with daily challenges, but it is not holding me back.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
My talent choice is a vocal performance, “La Vie En Rose”, which literally means life in pink.  I think this is a reflection of my personality as I try my best to live life optimistically.  I am singing it in both English and French, a language I love.

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?
Make sure it’s truly something you want to do. Be sure to have a platform about which you are passionate.  This system is for the well-rounded girl; one who values the importance of each point of the crown.


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?
The Miss America Organization stands for so much more than outer beauty.  It takes a well-rounded individual to become a titleholder with strict requirements for talent, academics and service.  Representing all of this breaks that barrier.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I hope that the new Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen will have the experience of a lifetime.  I hope she accomplishes goals related to her platform; and of course, advances to become the next Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, providing the opportunity to promote her platform nationally.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
I’ve had to mature quite a bit since my Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.  I have learned a great deal about health, diet and exercise in the past two years.  I think seriously taking responsibility for my health and well-being as an adolescent could be considered bravura.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
My Instagram accounts: ella_leanne_s, and missgprincewilliamcoot2018.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
To be crowned the next Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen would be amazing; but, if I am not, I’ll be happy in knowing I worked as hard as possible and did my best.  Regardless, I will continue to promote and speak about my platform.