The Road to Miss Connecticut is not an easy one; and the road to MAOTeen CT is just as demanding. This year the teens who are vying for the title of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2018 are determined and bringing their A-game to the stage. And one of these lucky young women will be going onto compete for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in Orlando, Florida. One such contestant is Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Autumn Schless. Continue reading to learn more about Autumn 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 a 13-year-old student in 7^th grade at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury, CT. I started in the Miss America Scholarship Organization at age 11. When Brooke Cyr, was Miss Greater Waterbury’s Outstanding Teen at the time and asked if I wanted to be her princess. I knew nothing about the Organization but didn’t even have think about it and immediately said yes. She was and still is the best mentor, bringing me to a lot of appearances and introducing me to so many amazing people. This is a great organization and I am so happy to be a part of it.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Service is the most important point of the crown to me. I enjoy helping others and find it very rewarding to give back.


During Brooke Cyr’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss CT’s Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
Brooke is always smiling and very friendly. She attends a lot of appearances and is always offering to help other title holders. I hope to emulate those same qualities. I would love for others to find me fun, approachable and always willing to help.

What have you learned from our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner, that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
I have learned so much from Eliza. She is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I have learned how to show kindness and patience by watching her as Miss CT. Eliza has a way of making everyone feel special and I hope to be able to do that too.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is Making America Food Allergy Friendly. I have had food allergies since I was a baby. Food allergies are on the rise in our country, it is a serious issue that I would like others to be more aware of and sensitive to. It is not easy to live with food allergies, so I would like to do what I can to bring awareness throughout our state and country, so that those with food allergies don’t have to live in fear.


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?
As a state title holder, I would continue to help the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Organization to bring awareness to CT. I will host another Hometown Heroes Walk in my hometown and attend others around the state. I will visit as many restaurants as I can to speak with them about their procedures for keeping customers with food allergies safe in their establishments.  I will also visit schools and talk about food allergy awareness and how we all can help each other.

Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I do an Acrobatic tumbling dance routine for my talent. I have been dancing and tumbling since I was able to walk. I am on the Playstrong Acrofitness Performing Team of Connecticut. Each year, we put together themed routines and perform at various venues, such as University Of Hartford’s Women’s and Men’s basketball games, AAC Women’s Finals Basketball game, Yard Goats Baseball games, different town events and parades. I love to tumble, dance and perform!


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?
I would let anybody who has an interest in competing in the MAO system know that it is a wonderful organization and an amazing experience. I would advise them to ask questions and gather all the information that they can, so they are fully aware of what the organization is about and what the commitment is. The more information you have the better off you are in making an informed decision on if this is right for you.

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?
I can break that notion by just being myself. I don’t try to be what society thinks a pageant girl should be. My favorite point to the crown is service and by volunteering and giving back to the community, we can show that the perception of pageant girls has changed.


Regardless of who wins the title of Miss CT’s Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
The one thing I hope for anybody who wins this title is to have fun and enjoy the experience. I want her to have the best year of their life and get as much out of it as they can.

Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. What makes you a “bravura” candidate for Miss CT’s Outstanding Teen?
I am a “Bravura” candidate because although I am young and small, I am strong and motivated. I can show other teens that we can do anything we put our minds to no matter what our age.

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


What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
Life is a journey of both good and bad. We thrive on the good and need to learn from the bad. Make sure you live life to the fullest and dream big, but keep in mind that nothing comes without hard work and perseverance. Keep a good balance and stay true to yourself.