As we continue our series, The Road to Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2018, we introduce you to the next contestant to be featured, the reigning Miss Central Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Danielle Ritter. As a senior in high school, Ritter is balancing not only her college preps, and being a member of the National Honor Society and captain of her cheer squad – but she is also preparing herself for one of the biggest responsibilities if she were to be crowned Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen 2018. Continue reading to learn more about Ritter and her journey to 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 an upcoming senior at James Wood High School, where I am a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the competitive and sideline cheerleader squad.  I just passed my Certified Nurse Aide exam and will be working as a licensed CNA this summer.  I have been involved in the pageant world since I was 7 and even competed in the Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Preteen program as a younger girl.  Last year I was USA National Miss Virginia Teen and competed at Nationals and feel very prepared for this year’s Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen competition.


The four Points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
That’s an easy one.  Just take one look at my resume and you will see the countless hours I have spent on my platform.  I was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for all my community service.  Service is the most important point to me.


During Isabella’s reign what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss Virginia’s Outstanding teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
It was very exciting to see not only Isabella but also Cecili (Miss Virginia) present at many locals.  I would like to carry on that tradition as I think it is very important for the newer ladies entering the program to see what it is like to serve the title all throughout the year.

What have you learned from our current Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Isabella, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
I loved how she showcased each titleholder on social media as they came into the fold.  After each crowning, she made a post with each girl and a short video with them letting all of us be a part of their special moment.


Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
Forget Me Not is my platform and it brings awareness to not only Alzheimer’s but to the elderly population in general.  It is important that we don’t forget our loved ones.  Sometimes just small things can make a difference to them.  One of my favorite things to advocate for is Project Lifesaver, a location bracelet program for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.  This year I was able to raise enough funds to get three location bracelets donated in my county.  I hope that all the local titleholders will follow my lead and spend time volunteering with at least one nursing home in their areas.


If you were to win the title of Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
One of the key elements to my platform is that it just takes a little time.  The elderly love connections and time with the younger generation.  They also can use some basic things like toiletries.  I have done many donation drives of simple things like that and I was astonished how grateful the elderly living alone were to receive them.  We don’t realize what it is like sometimes to live on a fixed income and that medications are expensive.  So, look in your area for people that could use the helping hand.


Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I think it is very important for everyone to understand that there are many teens who do not have talent like dance and are not naturally gifted with a singing voice.  While I can dance I chose not to this year.  I feel it is important for other girls my age to see that anyone can be Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.  So, with that in mind I chose to show my occupational talents as my presentation.  I want to be a Registered Nurse.  I am currently a CNA and will be sharing my passion for serving others through a monologue.

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?
If you don’t try you will never accomplish your goals.  I would love to influence those that have not thought about the program to just try.  I was apprehensive going into my local, but I succeeded on my first try and heard a lot of positive feedback about my monologue.


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?
One of the most important parts of the Miss America Organization is the idea of serving others.  I have used my nursing career path as my focal point in social media and ads.  I want others to see that we have giving spirits and will take the time and energy needed to help others and the crown is the tool to get through the door sometimes.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I would like to see our state titleholder out there in our communities talking to other young ladies about the program, whether that means visits to dance studios, Girl Scout troops, or choral groups.  That’s how we’ll reach participants to make the program a success.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional Tell our readers what make you “bravura”
If there is something you need to raise money for or there is an act of community service I can get it done.  I have done countless fundraisers with my family and friends and raised so much money for so many charities.   You name it we will get it raised or we will get whatever you need done.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
At Miss Central Virginia’s Outstanding Teen on Facebook. I would love for you to follow my journey.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Help us get the word out how valuable the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program is to girls who want to achieve greatness through pageantry and self-discovery.