The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Virginia's Outstanding Teen 2018,” is the reigning Miss Virginia Beach’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Susanna Shedd. Coming from a family of title-holders…oh just continue reading to learn more…Susanna is no stranger to the Miss America Organization. A cello player since the age of seven, Susanna is ready to show the judges why she’s the pick for MAOTeen VA 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.
My mother was a finalist in the Miss Ohio Pageant back in the 1980s and my sister, Olivia, was fourth runner-up in the Miss Virginia Pageant in 2016.  I have always admired the Miss America Organization and wanted to get involved myself.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
The most important point to me is Service.  Community service should demonstrate what others see in you before they see the crown on you!

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?
Isabella is very kind and always willing to help others around her.


What have you learned from our current Miss Virginia’s Outstanding Teen, Isabella, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
It is very important to never lose sight of who you are in this journey.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
Music Connects Kids is not only a platform I believe in, but has proven itself through the lives of young people. Kids that find connection through the arts have a sense of belonging.  Kids are less likely to become violent when they have a family of friends all working together toward a common goal.  Music is unique in that it allows for the expression of feelings.

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?
I hope to encourage my classmates to be a part of a music ensemble at school to connect with others.  Studying music also has shown to improve test scores.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I started playing the cello at the age of seven.  I am so excited to perform this cello piece that is meaningful to me.  Just like much of life, it contains many sharps and flats!


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?
Being true to yourself, being conversational in your interview, and striving to be your personal best are three areas for a great start in the MAO.

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?
When you serve others, you help to break down the bias of people’s opinions about “pageant girls.”

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?
She will use her platform to inspire others and further the Miss America Scholarship Program.


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what makes you “bravura.”
I’m Bravura because God uniquely created me to be exactly who He wants me to be!

Where can fans follow you on social media?
I can be followed on Instagram @missvabeachot2018.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
The goal of pageantry is to give you a platform to serve others and empower young women to do the same!