The Road to Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2018 – Miss Greater Rockville’s Outstanding Teen, Sadie Ostad
The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2018,” is the current – Miss Greater Rockville’s Outstanding Teen, Sadie Ostad. This high school junior is ready to take on the MAOTeen CT stage by storm! Continue reading to learn more about Sadie and her journey to the crown!
For those who may not be familiar with you, tell our readers a bit about yourself and your background within the pageant world.
I’m currently a junior at Branford High School where I am on National Honor Society, a 2019 Class Officer, a junior governor for Model Congress, and captain of my schools varsity cheerleading team. Outside of school I’m a competitive dancer at Shoreline Dance Academy and enjoy playing the ukulele, baking, and exploring the outdoors. My local pageant was the first pageant I ever competed in. I’ve known girls who have competed in the MAO system before so I figured, why not give it a try! It has honestly been one of the best decisions I made!
The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Every point of the crown is very important to me, however, the one that has the greatest impact on me would be scholarship. Ever since elementary school, my academics have meant an immense deal to me. I enjoy challenging myself within the classroom and strive for success in every academic area. Recently being inducted into National Honor Society was a huge honor and an accomplishment that I have been working towards since I was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in middle school. It was a very humbling moment that helped me realize all the hard work I have put in since a very young age is paying off. As a student who has achieved great success thus far, to me it isn’t only about the letter grade received in a class, a huge part of it is all of the underlying lessons and attributes I have gained.
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 is very hard working and devotes so much to her title, she is always striving for the best possible outcome in all that she does. No matter what she has a positive attitude and a smile on her face all the time. Brooke also is very friendly and even though I am new to the organization and didn’t know many girls when I was first crowned she really welcomed me with open arms and always offered her help which was a great way to start this new chapter of my life. This is important for all titleholders and everyone should emulate it no matter what the outcome is.
What have you learned from our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kaner, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Eliza was determined to fulfill all the responsibilities of her job as Miss Connecticut while still being fully committed to her education. This has taught me that with hard work and passion I can be the best titleholder possible while still keeping up with a busy life. Eliza is a true inspiration and her overall mentality and character shines!
Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is Protection for Domestic Animals, giving animals the voices they deserve. Not too long ago, my own cat was abused very badly to the point where he was unable to walk or use the bathroom properly, although he is still with us today and is much better than before his life will never be the same. Unfortunately, my family never found out who did this to him which completely breaks my heart. This is ultimately what made me realize that a change needs to happen. Often times animals are abused and neglected and no one is held accountable for these crimes. I want to change this and make sure that these animals live the happy lives they deserve.
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?
I would encourage more people to volunteer and make donations to shelters and the organizations that help these animals. Along with that, I would encourage people to choose adoption first because many animals end up being euthanized due to overpopulated shelters. These animals are only looking for a better life in a loving home. I would host adoption drives that will encourage more people to adopt. I also hope to host a Best in Show, dog show that will raise funds and donations for my platform. A dog is truly a man’s best friend, however, we need to treat them that way. There’s a lot of things that we benefit and learn from animals, so together we need to protect them!
Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
My talent is a contemporary/lyrical dance. This is my favorite genre of dance because it gives me the ability to tell a story through my movement and emotion while showing strength and control. I cannot wait to share this beautiful piece that exhibits my strengths and love for performing.
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?
Don’t be shy and stay true to yourself! If you are thinking about competing just go for it. It never hurts to try new things and you will gain so much from just competing alone. Being involved with this organization is an experience like no other!
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 first step to breaking that barrier is educating people on what the Miss America Organization is all about. The organization really follows it’s four points, Service, Scholarship, Success, and Style. Being involved and helping out your community is a huge part of the organization. One thing I always mention about the organization is that it’s the largest scholarship provider for young women in America, this really sets it apart and not like what many see on TV. This organization isn’t just about the glitz and glam, it’s much more than that.
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 that whoever wins the title of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen first, has the best year of her life and enjoys every minute! I hope that they find huge success with promotion of their platform and the national platform throughout the state. On top of that, I hope they continue to expand the teen program and raise money for the organization. These are all things I would strive to accomplish if I am to win.
Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
I am a very hardworking, dedicated, and caring teen. I like to take the road less traveled and do things that are out of the box. I would take the job seriously and not hold back. Other than school and family it would be my number one priority. I am always open to accept direction, advice, and feedback for further growth in my ability to do the job of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen. When I first embarked on this journey, whether I would be holding local or state title I was prepared to take on all the responsibilities that would come with that title.
Where can people follow you on social media?
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Thank you for taking the time to read about me! It’s been a pleasure to give you a true insight on the Miss America Organization. I hope you enjoyed learning about me and will follow me on the rest of my journey to Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen! Finally a huge thank you to Bravura Magazine for this amazing opportunity!