As part of our series, "The Road to Miss Connecticut," the next contestant to be featured is Katelyn Walls, who is the current Miss Stamford! Continue reading to learn more about Katelyn and her journey to the crown!
In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
In kindergarten, I remember vividly my frustration in trying to learn how to read, and specifically feeling at a disadvantage because it took me longer than most of my classmates to master literacy. However, I can say with certainty that the only reason I am now a graduate student at Yale is because I pushed myself to read as many books as I could get my hands on. The mastery of language is a tool not only useful for academic success, but necessary for socio-economic success as well. It’s a right that every human being should have access to. Because I’m passionate about helping to break down race and class barriers that exist in America, I promote literacy as a civil right as a means of doing so.
How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
The children I’ve had the privilege of getting to know have expanded my heart in ways I didn’t know were possible. I have grown to love the students I get to tutor on a weekly basis (even when they’d rather play games than read), and I want to contribute to their success in whatever way that I can. I am stronger because of the relationships I’ve formed through New Haven Reads.
What have you learned from your current Miss Connecticut, Alyssa Taglia, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut?
Alyssa Taglia has been such an inspiration to me as I’ve gotten to know her this past year. She leads with grace, class, and strength–three characteristics I would carry with me into the job of Miss Connecticut. It takes a special kind of confidence and maturity to hold the title of Miss Connecticut, and Alyssa exemplifies that confidence and maturity in the most beautiful way.
As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
Being perfect is not the goal. Being genuine is. Real girls are so much better than perfect girls, because perfect girls do not exist. In a world where social media pressures women (and men) into thinking they must look and feel perfect at all times, the single-most important message I hope to convey as a titleholder in the Miss America Organization is that true confidence comes not in striving for perfection, but in being courageous enough to admit that you aren’t perfect.
If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Besides winning Miss America, you mean? As Miss Connecticut, I would make it my personal goal to grow and promote the Miss Connecticut Organization within the state. As the largest scholarship provider for women in the nation, the Miss America Organization offers a unique opportunity for women to succeed. It would be my personal goal to increase sponsorship of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization so that the winner’s scholarship in 2018 is increased by 100%.
Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
I’d remind her, in case she forgot, that Connecticut is one of the tiny northeastern states that on her geography tests she had to draw a line to in the Atlantic Ocean since the name was too long to fit inside the state (which always frustrated me as a child, but I’m getting over it). Besides that, however, I’d tell her that the beautiful Constitution State is known for its clam pizza and stunning coastline–but my favorite thing about it is the way the leaves turn the most vivid colors in the Fall just before Winter sets in.
If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
In my time capsule representing the women of today, I’d place a tube of red lipstick to symbolize beauty with a tinge of sass, a book written by J.K. Rowling (my favorite author) to symbolize creativity and intelligence, and a coconut to symbolize that while we can be tough, we’re sweet on the inside too.
Because of media, many people tend to look at pageants with a very scrutinizing opinion. For you, personally, what have been some of the biggest benefits of being a part of the Miss America Organization, and how would you share the positive nature of pageants with others who may not be familiar?
The Miss America Organization helps women become articulate spokespersons, active community organizers, and helps pay for their education while doing so. Many who are unfamiliar can be convinced of the merit of the Miss America Organization simply by meeting the girls who serve each other and their communities so well through their local and state titles.
“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I am only as “bravura” as those who have shaped me. The relationships I share with my parents, my two brothers, my grandparents and extended family, my church, and my friends are what make me exceptional, because they are what have made me into the person I am today. In turn, I hope that I can make everyone I meet just a little more “bravura” as well!
Where can fans follow you on social media?
https://www.facebook.com/Miss-Stamford-Scholarship-Corporation-1434454533437044/
https://www.instagram.com/annakatewalls/
What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
Start practicing walking (and dancing!) in heels now, because it’s an acquired skill, let me tell you! As a former NCAA collegiate athlete (Go Bulldogs!), I can honestly say that learning to walk in platform heels is harder than learning how to slide-tackle in soccer. But now I can do both, so if you need help, I’m your girl.
What words of thanks do you have for those who have helped to bring you to where you are today in the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017?
I never would have competed for the title of Miss Stamford nor Miss Connecticut if it weren’t for my friends and family who encouraged and enabled me to do so. For your unending support, inspiring confidence, and unfailing love, I am truly grateful. I love you even more than all the miles you’ve driven and flown to support me (and that’s a lot of miles).
What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Everything about the experience of competing in the Miss America Organization has been such an honor. I cannot convey how truly I believe that the young women who compete for local or state titles are changed for the better. I know that I have been. It’s been fun to get to share a little of my journey with you, and I hope to see you on June 23rd and 24th at the 2017 Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant!
