The Miss New York Organization for the Teens is one group you can say we’re close to :-) From trips to NYC with MAOTeen NY Asia Hickman to endless photoshoots, we’re excited to see the young women in this group grow & emerge into the Miss America Organization. With that said, today we kick off the series, “The Road to Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018.” There are many young women who are looking to be given the title of MAOTeen NY 2018, but only one will be chosen. Who will it be? You will have to wait until April to find out, as we will be there to bring you all the excitement from the MAOTeen NY pageant weekend! But until then, continue reading about the first contestant vying for the title, Miss Upstate New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Katie Manuel.

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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 have been involved with the Miss America Organization for over 7 years, starting out as a Princess with the Princess Program.  I was Miss Empire Star Princess 2012, for now Dr. Jennifer Pollard, and then my sister’s Princess for 2 years. I couldn’t wait to turn 13 years old so I could compete in the Outstanding Teen program. This is my 3^rd year in the Outstanding Teen program and I have learned so much through this Organization and have meet some amazing women including all 3 of the Miss New York’s who became Miss America!

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
I think what’s important to me the most is the success. I have watched top dance performers for 7 years with my dance company and once said: “wow, I would love to be a dancer like her”. Eventually I started noticing a pattern in top performers. Somehow, they find time to invest in activities that will pay off in the long run. I now understand that life is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. I see dance videos of me 5 years ago and now I say “wow” to my dancing today.

If you want success, you can achieve success.

During Asia’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?
Asia has one of the strongest work ethic and passion for her music and it shows when she plays piano to an audience. Me being a music lover too, I found my connection with her immediate.

What have you learned from our current Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen Asia Hickman, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Asia leads by example.  Whoever is the next Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen will have big shoes to fill, but Asia is a team leader and although she might not hold the title after 4-7-18, I know if the new titleholder was to reach out to her for advice, she would be there for her.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
Having a food allergy can be one of the scariest things that can happen to a young child. I’ve personally seen how having a food allergy devastates a child’s entire inner circle. My goal is educate, advocate and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis.  I want to be the voice for food allergy awareness not only in New York, but Nationwide. One of the things I promote is my “Be a PAL – “Protect a Life” program for children through the FARE organization. It’s been a rewarding program I enjoy doing and see the difference an afternoon can make.

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?
Whether it’s keeping children safe at school, responding to food allergy bullying, dealing with workplace or school issues, or just going out with your family for a simple family outing, I want to be involved as a National Ambassador with FARE and the Children’s Miracle Network on all levels of Food Allergies though social media, the press, magazines, TV, PSA etc. Because some children that are admitted to hospitals have food allergies too.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I am a dancer, actress and singer.  I’ve decided to sing for my talent because I feel singing is the most strongest talent I can give as at this competition, and I just love how I feel when nail a song.

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?
Don’t wait to the last minute to prep for a pageant.

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?
Although Miss America is referred to as a “pageant” in the media, Miss America is one of this nation’s leading achievement program and one of the largest scholarship organizations in America, for women.

As I currently represent the title of Miss Upstate New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018, with the Miss America Outstanding Teen organization, I choose to see it as an asset to my future by working in the program that promotes scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America’s teens.  Often times I have to explain the important work I do as an Outstanding Teen titleholder and the work it has allowed me to do while having a title.  Every Miss Outstanding Teen knows that, within the first two minutes of a speech or an appearance, it’s her job to destroy the myth of her being just a “pageant girl.”

We as Miss America Outstanding Teen titleholders are passionate spokespersons that advocates for their cause. With the new leadership of Gretchen Carlson, as our new Chairperson, I am hoping she can get Wikipedia to change the verbiage of “beauty pageant” to “scholarship organization for women”.

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? Recruit more girls to become local titleholders, promote volunteerism and help fund raise for the Children’s Miracle Network in a fun environment that makes young people want to do that event next year.

A study, based on data from 4,363 young people, found that the most common form of support by volunteers was assistance with fundraising. Young people are a secret weapon. A donation pitch from a passionate teen is way more influential than a cold call or that newsletter you were thinking about sending.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
I feel I have a strong sense of generosity, paired with strong empathy for all living things and concern for the future, because there’s nothing more inspiring than a person who is always willing to help, not just other people, but genuinely I want to contribute to the greater good and leave my mark through the work I do.

Where can fans follow you on social media? My website: https://preventthepen.weebly.com, Facebook, and www.instagram.com/missupstatenewyorkot.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
I’m so grateful for Bravura Magazine to allowing me to share my journey as Miss Upstate New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018.  I am very excited about competing this April 7^th 2018 at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, NY (which is my High School!!!). Thank you for the opportunity to allowing me to let your readers get to know me thru your Bravura Magazine.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any further questions.

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!