We are excited to continue our partnership with the Miss New York Organization and bring to you, another contest who is vying for the title of MAOTeen NY 2018! Now it’s time to introduce you to Miss Thousand Islands' Outstanding Teen 2018, Colleen Denmon. Colleen is currently a sophomore in high school, and began participating in the MAO at a very young age. Continue reading to learn more about Colleen and her journey towards 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.
I am a 16-year-old sophomore at Union-Endicott High School in Broom County. Since I was little, I have had an avid passion for three things: dance, fashion design, and pageants. I became engrossed in the world of Miss America after watching the pageant in 2012, when I was 10 years old. When I turned 11, I participated in the Miss New York Princess program and caught a glimpse of what pageantry was all about. I won my first title, Miss Central New York’s Outstanding Teen 2015, when I was only 13 and went on to place fourth runner up at the state pageant. In the years that followed, I held the titles of Miss Finger Lakes’ Outstanding Teen 2016 and Miss Revere’s Outstanding Teen 2017. I also received the scholastic award at the state pageant in 2015. This past October, I won my fourth local title and have been representing the Thousand Islands since.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Service. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my reign has been the work I have been able to do with my platform. The Miss America Organization has a unique ability to bring out the voice in many young women, such as myself, and that is one of the main qualities that has kept me enticed for the past several years.

During Asia Hickman’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
One of the most admirable qualities that I’ve seen in Asia Hickman is her passion. Whether it be working with her platform, meeting with other titleholders, or performing her talent, it is evident that she puts her heart into all that she is doing. If I were to win the title, I would hope to emulate many of Asia’s qualities, specifically her positive attitude and contagious smile.

What have you learned from our current Miss New York, Gabrielle Walter, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Gabrielle Walter has taught me to make the best of every moment. I have had the pleasure of hearing her speak at several local pageants this year, and she certainly has not taken any minute of her reign for granted. Every story that I have heard her share reminds me how valuable that this job is. She has inspired me to soak up every minute of my journey as Miss Thousand Islands’ Outstanding Teen.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
One of the main issues in society today is the prevalence of bullying and the insecurity of an individual. It may seem like a topic that only applies to children on the playground, but my platform touches on a topic that can be carried well into adulthood. It is important to instill morals young, so I have spent the past four years presenting my platform, “Different Doesn’t Mean Inferior: Embrace, Empower, Energize,” to elementary school students. One of my favorite activities with the students is a game that we play with a beach ball, while they each embrace qualities that set them apart. My goal is to limit bullying, especially that of which is targeted at an individual’s unique qualities.

If you were to win the title of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
As I mentioned, I’ve already visited numerous classrooms and Girl Scout meetings to advocate for my platform. Whether or not I am crowned Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen, I look forward to continuing this mission over the course of the next year.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I have been a dancer since the age of two and I have tried everything from tap to hip-hop to ballet. As I entered my 14^th year of dance, I was looking for a new twist on my skills. I began choreographing a contemporary dance that incorporated the use of six-foot scarves, which developed into my talent. The song I have chosen is “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Lorde. The lyrics hold a message of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone and ultimately coming out on top, which is something that translates very strongly into my everyday life. It is my favorite performance to date, and it has helped me discover the power I hold within myself.

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?
Go for it. No experience is ever wasted. Whether or not you win a crown, you will walk away with so much more. One of the most beneficial qualities that I have gained from the Miss America Program is a strong sense of confidence. When I began competing, I was too shy to present in front of a class; now, I frequently visit schools to speak about my platform and its importance. I have never had an experience that I didn’t learn from, and the Miss America Organization creates a strong environment for growth in all of the young women who participate.

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?
As you mentioned, much of this stigma stems from the media; therefore, the best way to combat that is by strengthening the prevalence of Miss America in the media. It is very important for individuals who are skeptical of the organization to witness the voice of any one of its titleholders, and a great way to provide this, as titleholders, is by being involved in the media. Whether it be on social media platforms, on local television networks, or even in magazine interviews similar to this one, I am more than ecstatic to share my experiences alongside the organization.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss New York’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 New York’s Outstanding Teen furthers the marketing the organization. It is such a wonderful opportunity for young women that I would love to see a growth in involvement.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
I am bravura because of my drive. I set my eyes on a goal four years ago and I have not stopped working for it since. Throughout every situation in life, I have pushed myself, turned mistakes into learning experiences, and continued striving for my aspirations.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
@Queen_Colleen01 on Instagram and Colleen Denmon on Facebook!

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
I am very glad that Bravura Magazine is helping to spread the true message of the Miss America Organization, and support all of its contestants. I am thankful that the magazine has allowed me to share my thoughts and experiences with the organization, and I am growing very excited for my state competition next month!

Join Bravura Magazine, as we will be at the Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018 pageant, taking place on April 7^th! It will be at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, NY! For tickets to the event, you can visit this link. Be sure to check back so you can read more about the other amazing ladies vying for the title of MAOTeen NY 2018!