A new Miss contestants are getting crowned, their teen-sisters are also getting ready for their state pageant. And the Connecticut teens are getting ready to take the stage by storm during their state pageant in a few weeks! We kick off our series, "The Road to Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen 2018," with Miss Farmingbury’s Outstanding Teen, Morgan Mancini. Continue reading to learn more about Morgan and her journey to MAOTeen CT 2018!

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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 15-year-old sophomore at Wolcott High School where I take an honors curriculum and am a member of the varsity dance team.  I am a typical teen who loves service and it is this love that brought me to the Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Organization. Miss Farmingbury was my first pageant ever! My platform, Completing the Puzzle: Autism Awareness and Acceptance, is my life.  My younger sister Gillian was diagnosed with severe autism at two years old and I have been an autism advocate for as long as I can remember. In my free time, I love baking (chocolate chip cookies are my specialty), traveling and spending time at my dance studio, as I am a competitive dancer.


The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Without a doubt SERVICE! This is a huge component of my life and one of my greatest life’s pleasures.  I love impacting the lives of others for the better. I am very proud of the relationships that I have made with national and state autism organizations, as well as, the fundraising and awareness events that I have spearheaded myself.  Last year I created my own walk in my hometown that raised over $7,400 and this year I have launched a school tour that has traveled to several towns within Connecticut. In addition to autism related volunteering, I am a youth mentor and teach summer school.


During Brook 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?
Brook has a very energetic vibe and warm smile! She brings this to every appearance she attends and always has a positive attitude.  I believe that this quality is so important to emulate because despite what can be going on with a titleholder personally, it is crucial that she can be put it aside and be her best self.

What have you learned from our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Eliza is the epitome of a self-less titleholder.  I admire the way that she always shows her appreciation of others, especially those who have served as role models and sponsors.  Eliza has certainly shown me through her example that this job is not about the person who wears the crown, but the lives that you can touch while wearing it.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
Completing the Puzzle: Autism Awareness and Acceptance is my life platform.  Growing up with a sister who is severely autistic, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and pain that can come from a lack of understanding.  At a young age, I realized the need to improve the understanding of this disorder and the people it affects. One of my proudest accomplishments was the creation of the “Hi, my name is Gillian” card.  This is a card that introduces my sister, her autism diagnosis and explains some of her behaviors. We pass them out at restaurants, on planes or on vacation. They have been very well received and very helpful in allowing our family to enjoy these typical family activities while also helping to expand awareness and acceptance.


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 plan to educate my generation through the continuation of my school tour and aim to cover as many schools throughout Connecticut as possible.  I will also continue to target my peers through my social media, as I realize the importance that technology plays in the life of a teenager.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
At the age of 3, I feel in love with dance and more specifically tap.  Initially, it was the shoes that made so much noise! But as I grew so did my passion for this style of dance.  I love being able to express myself through the sounds of my feet and for the talent competition, I will be performing a high energy, rhythmic routine to “Happy”.

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! As someone who has only even competed in one pageant, I know that it can be intimidating to officially enter, but the opportunities and benefits far outweigh that fear.  Stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself to try something new was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

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?
Every time I am speaking publicly, hosting an event or just attending as an invited guest, I am able to help break the negative stereotype.  I make it my mission to educate people about what this organization is truly about and its varying phases of competition and how they foster well roundedness.  I also write a monthly column in my hometown paper where I am able to spotlight various topics and often choose to highlight the service aspect of my job as Miss Farmingbury’s Outstanding Teen. This really helps to demonstrate that this organization is so much more than crowns, pretty faces and gowns.


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 they treasure this opportunity and work tirelessly each day.  This is my dream job and I could not imagine wasting one hour not making an impact!

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen?
My passion for my platform is what brought me to this organization, but I quickly learned how my lifestyle mirrors that of this job.  I believe that I can bring a fresh face to this role as I have not grown up as a “pageant girl”. I lead with my heart and put my heart and soul into all that I do.  I am driven by my passion to make an impact and positively influence the lives of others, especially those affected with autism. I can also help to show other teens that they too can get involved and experience all the benefits that this organization has to offer.

Where can people follow you on social media?
Follow me on  Facebook and Instagram.

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, my life and my WHY! Hope you will continue to follow my journey as I prepare to compete for my dream job and represent Connecticut!