Our series, "The Road to Miss Connecticut," continues with the next contestant Victoria Lemme, the reigning Miss Shoreline! Continue reading to learn more about Victoria, her platform, journey to the crown, and what she would place inside a time capsule!

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Please share with our readers your title & platform.
I am Miss Shoreline 2017 and my personal platform is Fight Like a Baby: The Battle of Prematurity.

How long have you competed in pageants? How do you think you’ve personally grown with all your prior pageant experience?
I began partaking in pageants last March (2016). After that first exposure to the Miss Connecticut Organization, I was attracted to all that it has to offer and knew that I would be returning in the future. Having minimal pageant experience, I did not know the ins and outs of pageantry, but the girls that I have met have helped me every step of the way. With each new experience, whether it be at an appearance or at production rehearsal, I am finding who I want to be as a woman. I am looking forward to my first Miss Connecticut experience with the most genuine women that our class is comprised of.

In regards to your platform, why did you choose to go with this particular one?
For years, it has been my dream to work as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Being that the NICU is high acuity, finding a job as a Certified Nursing Assistant or volunteer on this unit is tough. Although I have one year left as an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut, I could not wait to make an impact on the lives of the neonates and their families. It is for this reason I chose to advocate for premature birth awareness as my personal platform. 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely, and prematurity is the number one killer of infants. When I learned these facts from participating in The March Of Dimes walk in the past, I felt an obligation to help decrease the rate of premature births. One day, I aspire to be hands on in the fight against premature deaths.

How has working alongside your platform made you into a stronger person?
Having a newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is not easy on any family. Through the March of Dimes and other studies that I have done regarding my platform issue, I have had opportunities to hear numerous life changing stories. It is within these stories that I find it in myself to become stronger, just like those little ones pushing to get stronger every day. Although I may never fully know what these families have gone through, I understand their emotions and desire to provide them with the support that they need.

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?
The current Miss Connecticut, Alyssa Taglia, has been a role model to all that have been graced by her presence. Having never had formal pageant training or years of experience, I valued the relationship that we established right from the start. I consider myself to be reserved around unfamiliar individuals, but Alyssa immediately welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home within the organization.

If I am awarded the job of Miss Connecticut 2017, I will carry out the altruistic legacy that Alyssa has set forth. What I admire most about Alyssa is her inclination to serve the Miss Connecticut Organization and the community. Being Miss Connecticut is not about the title, but rather as a way to advocate for a platform near to our heart’s on a state and national level, as well as serve as the goodwill ambassador for Children’s Miracle Networks. Alyssa has embodied a truly devoted Miss Connecticut, leaving her successor large shoes to fill!

As a title-holder, what is one of the single-most important message, which you think you convey to your followers?
The most important message that I can convey to my followers is to believe in oneself. When I find that I doubt myself, I remember this quote: “Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.”  The true power of the human mind is astounding!

If you were to win the title of Miss Connecticut, what is the one thing which you would strive the hardest to accomplish?
Should I earn the title of Miss Connecticut 2017, I would strive to visit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center at least once a week. What many do not realize is that some children are confined within four walls for an unknown period of time. Being able to bring a little bit of the sunshine from the outside in with me, whether that be with a smile or simply holding a child’s hand, is a goal that I will one day accomplish.

Imagine you’re competing for Miss America, and your roommate has never visited Connecticut; how would you describe your state to your roommate?
The State of Connecticut has so much to offer. I personally love the seasonal change that we get to experience. From negative degree wind chills in the winter to blazing hot and humid days in the summer, Connecticut can provide every in between.

If you could place three items in a time capsule, which represent the women of today, what would they be and why?
Three items that I believe represent the women of today are an evening gown, a paycheck stub, and an “I’m with her” sticker from the past presidential election. The evening gown represents not only the fashion industry, but also the elegance and grace that the women of today possess. The paycheck stub symbolizes the strides women are making to close the gender pay gap in addition to the ability of women to hold upper level positions in the workforce. Lastly, the “I’m with her” sticker exemplifies a woman’s progression in politics. Connecticut was the first state to elect a woman as governor, so I believe our state is supportive of electing a female president in the future.

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?
I cannot choose just one benefit that I have obtained through the Miss America Organization. The two benefits that stand out to me are friendship and scholarship. I can honestly say that I have gained a lifelong friend through this organization, and for that I could not be more grateful. In addition to this, the amount of scholarship this organization is able to provide on the local, state, and national level is incredible. All college students know the burden of tuition, books, boarding etc. The Miss America Organization grants women not only scholarships, but also the opportunity to further their education. I take every chance that I get to speak about how the Miss America Organization has positively impacted my life and encourage more young women to become involved.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your opinion, what makes you “bravura”?
I am “Bravura” because I have a lifelong passion for serving others. I strive to live by the quote “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”  Going that extra mile to give back to the community fills my heart with pure bliss.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
I have a Facebook page that updates all of my followers on my journey to Miss Connecticut.

What advice do you have for those who want to take part in pageants?
I never thought that I would be one to participate in pageants. Now that I know what it is like to be a local titleholder, I would have became involved much sooner. The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization is far from the stereotypical pageant world. Yes, contestants may compete in phases of competition that are classic to pageantry, but the emphasis of this organization is truly based around the four points of the crown: Service, Scholarship, Style, and Success.

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 not be in the Miss Connecticut Class of 2017 without the support of my family. My mom, dad, and sister never fail to believe in my ability to be an exceptional local titleholder and have provided me with the foundation to carry out the job with grace. I could not be luckier to have their support on my journey to becoming Miss Connecticut 2017.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Thinking back 5 years, I never would have imagined that I would have the amazing opportunity to compete for the job of Miss Connecticut. Alyssa has served our state in unremarkable ways and I am certain that whichever woman from the Class of 2017 to become our next Miss Connecticut will represent our state with great pride.