The next contestant to be featured as part of our series, “The Road to Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2018” is Abby Traxler, a 17-year-old student who is vying for the title of Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen! Continue reading to learn more about Abby 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.
My name is Abby Traxler and I am 17 years old. I am the current Miss Northeastern PA’s Outstanding Teen and I have been competing in the MAOTeen Organization since I was 13. (I won my first title when I was 12, actually!) This is my final year competing. This system has shaped me into who I am today; I went from a shy little girl to an independent young adult. I am ready to face the rest of my life with the skills I have acquired through holding local teen titles.

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 believe all are important in order to be well rounded, but if I had to pick one, I would choose scholarship. I have always been dedicated to my schoolwork and achieving high grades, which the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization rewards with scholarships to further my education after high school. It makes the organization truly unique.

During Madison Dompkosky’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss PA’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
Madison is very dedicated to her platform and I admire the amount of time she puts into it.

What have you learned from our current Miss Pennsylvania Katie Schreckengast, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Katie is truly genuine with everyone she meets and is not afraid to share her story. As teenagers, we are pressured to act a certain way, but we must stay true to our genuine selves.


Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is entitled “Project ABBY: Anti-Bullying Begins with You” and through this, I am able to reach out to elementary schools and share my bullying story. Though my bullies attack me daily, I fight hard to overcome them so I can be an example for victims everywhere.

If you were to win the title of Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
I would continue to visit elementary schools to tell my story. We need to focus on the younger generation to hopefully erase this negative behavior. I hope to spread Buddy Benches not only across the state, but across the country. I am proof that bullying can happen to anyone, and students realize that when I share my platform.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I will be performing a vocal selection to “Tomorrow” from Annie. It really ties in with my platform and teaches listeners to look forward to a better day in times of trouble. Bullies aim to ruin their victims’ days, but it urges them to look ahead to a better tomorrow.

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?
Competing in the MAOTeen Organization will be the best decision of your life! There are so many local titleholders that are always willing to help, so reach out to one of us. #TheSisterhoodisReal

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?
It is hard to find me without a smile on my face or spending time helping others. I practice being kind every day in the hopes of breaking this stigma.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I would love to see a Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen bring home the national crown! Regardless of her performance, however, I hope she can make the year her own and truly enjoy it!

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what makes you “bravura.”
I strive to do my best in and out of school, on minor and major tasks. I go above and beyond to be kind to everyone while living my platform every day. I realize I am a positive role model to young children and even my own peers. This isn’t just a pageant, this is who I am and what I do.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
Instagram: @abby.traxler.Facebook: Miss Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2018 Abby Traxler.