Our series, "The Road to Miss Connecticut," continues with the next contestant Tori Lemme. She is the current Miss Mountain Laurel. Continue reading to learn more about Taylor, her platform, journey to the crown, and what she's learned from the current Miss Connecticut, Alyssa Taglia!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am Taylor Lemme, Miss Mountain Laurel 2017 and my platform is Act F.A.S.T.-Save a life: Preventing and Recognizing an Anaphylactic Reaction.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
December of 2016 was actually my first pageant I have ever competed in. I have been a competitive dancer for 11 years, but I am totally new to the pageant industry. Since I was crowned I have definitely become more confident in myself and more well-spoken.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
At the age of 10 months old I was diagnosed with an anaphylactic peanut and tree-nut allergy. It is something that I have to live with on a day to day basis and cannot avoid. It is not an intolerance, but can cost me my life. I decided to go with this for my platform because I would like to share my story with others to increase the awareness of any anaphylactic allergy and educate people what to do if someone is having a reaction. It is a life or death situation and if an reaction is occurring someone within proximity needs to know how to inject an epi-pen or provide proper treatment.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
I have had to be a strong advocate for myself at a very young age since my parents could not always be with me at school or in public. It has made me more responsible for my own care. I am going to be going back to my elementary school where I was isolated as a child to hopefully help other students understand life with an anaphylactic allergy. By joining FARE and the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has made me stronger because I realized that I am not alone and these are two of many organizations that help bring awareness of anaphylactic allergies.

What have you learned from your current Miss Connecticut, which you hope to carry with you if you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut?
I am so grateful to have Alyssa Taglia, Miss Connecticut 2016 as my first Miss Connecticut to work with since I am new to the Miss Connecticut Organization. She embodies all four points of the crown (Style, Scholarship, Service, and Success) exquisitely. She is always there to lend a helping hand or assist in any way possible. No matter what she does, she is always on top of her game, striving for excellence. If I were to win the title of Miss Connecticut I could only hope that I carry myself with as much grace and class as Alyssa does. She is leaving big shoes to fill.

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
I think an important message that I would like to convey to my followers is to have confidence in yourself. It all starts with knowing that you and everyone is beautiful in their own ways.

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Too often there are misconceptions about the Miss America Organization and some people still think it is nothing but a beauty pageant. But I would strive to enlighten others that MAO is a scholarship organization that empowers women to be the best they can. It is a program where women are taught so many positive characteristics such as leadership, interview skills, and honoring their commitment to helping others.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
Connecticut, the Nutmeg State is situated in the midst of New England offering four distinct seasons. During the fall one might enjoy the foliage in a beautiful New England setting. While winter may be cold and snowy making it great for snowboarding and skiers. The spring is wonderful time of year. Often the weather is spectacular with trees and flowers in full bloom. The summer is a perfect time of year whether it be along the Connecticut shoreline where you can experience the pleasure of the Atlantic Ocean , or a day on the lake enjoying a boat ride, sun bathing or swimming. In addition there, are several tourist attractions including Mystic Seaport, Peabody Museum, Yale University, the Naval Base in Groton, and Mark Twain House to name a few.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
A picture of Miss America 2017 would be placed in my time capsule because the organization and women in general, continue to grow and change continuously.  I would also place one of Hillary Clinton’s campaign signs in my capsule representing the first female to run for the office of president. Hopefully, One day we will have a female president. The third thing I would put in my time capsule is a photograph of Michelle Obama. She was one of the most inspirational first ladies advocating for support for military families and encouraging healthy eating to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity. In addition, she was a fashion icon for the past 8 years that she was first lady.

Because of media, many people tend to look at pageant 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 is extraordinary and not a typical pageant stereotype. I do not think many people realize that MAO is a scholarship organization and actually is the “nation’s leading advocate for women’s education and the largest provider of scholarship assistance to young women in the United States, awarding millions of dollars annually in cash awards and in-kind tuition waivers.”

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I believe that my personality and character make me “bravura”. I am very outgoing and a friend to everyone. I have been brought up with excellent morals and values that I live by everyday of my life.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Fans can follow my official Facebook page!

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
The best piece of advice that I can give someone who would like to participate in pageants is to always follow your heart. Follow your dreams wherever they lead.

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 would like to thank everyone that has been involved my journey whether it be financial or moral support.

To my business managers Greg & Brandie and princess Mirella: You guys are awesome! I couldn’t have asked for a better support team. I am quite clueless since I am new to this all, but you are always willing lend a helping hand. I don’t know what I would do without you guys. You all believed in me since Day 1 and look where it got us?! Just THANK YOU!

To my FABULOUS teen Ariana: I probably can’t go a day without texting you a million questions. I am blessed to have you as my teen and be team Mountain Laurel together! We will be Mountain Laurels forever!!! Love ya bunches!

To my Nutmuggers: There is no better description than the dream team. All you girls add something special to the Miss Nutmeg Scholarship Organization. I am so lucky to have each and every one of you to experience my first journey to Miss Connecticut.

To Miss Connecticut 2016 Alyssa: You are amazing!!!! You are our Miss America. Thank you for being so helpful throughout this entire process and sharing your amazing platform with us. I can never forget visiting Countryside. I promise I will never mess up announcing my title again (hehe)!

To the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017: Every single one of you is exceptionally strong and talented. I can’t wait to get to know each of you better throughout our road to Miss Connecticut 2017!

To my family and friends: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I am so appreciative of all your unconditional love and support throughout my journey. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without you guys. Extra special thanks to my Aunt Pam and Uncle Phil, I love you both beyond words and you don’t know how much you guys mean to me.

To my sister Tori: I never would have been a part of the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017 without you and your encouragement to join the Miss America Organization. I could not have imagined going through this journey with anyone else. #teamlemme

To my Mom & Dad: None of this would have been possible without you guys. You have always believed in me and knew I could do anything I set my heart to. Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart.

And lastly a thank you to my grandma in heaven: I truly believe everything happens for a reason and you have guided me right to where I am. Since you never wanted to put mom in a pageant because she had no talent, you purposely had a path for your talented granddaughters to be competing for our dream jobs of Miss Connecticut. Thank you and keep guiding us in the right direction gram!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
I would first like to thank Bravura Magazine for the opportunity to share my journey to Miss Connecticut 2017.  And to all the readers of Bravura Magazine: believe in the beauty of your dreams. Anything is possible!