Last July we had the opportunity to get to know a lovely young lady from the state of Pennsylvania, Madison Dompkosky, who was Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen 2017. Not only did we get to meet her during the MAOTeen pageant, where she was competing, but she was also the recipient of a $1,000 media scholarship which we provided to the contestant who had the most ad sales in the program book! We were thrilled to know that our donation to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization was going to such wonderful use! At the time of her state crowning, Dompkosky was a 15-year-old from Mountain Top, who won the hearts of the judges during her private interview, talent and evening gown potions of the pageant! Having competed in the system for three years, it was inevitable that Dompkosky was going to go home with the crown soon! We recently had the chance to catch up with Dompkosky as she prepares for life beyond the crown!

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How does one balance a teenage lifestyle, title of MAOTeen PA, a high school career, and so much more at the same time?
Sometimes I ask myself the same question! While my plate is most certainly overflowing with MPOTeen events, community service, vocal, dance, lacrosse, and piano sessions, I have still managed to love the life I live. At the end of the day, that’s what it all comes down to. If you have so much going on (or too little going on) to the point where you are not satisfied with your life, you need to change something. I happen to love the way my hectic schedule jumps from one thing to another because it keeps my adrenaline going, but if that’s not your style, balance your life with things you love to do!

Tell our readers a bit about how you prepared for competing in MAOTeen? What challenges did you face in preparing for MAOTeen?
I’m a firm believer that when contestants come to states, they should already be prepared to go on to the national level, and perhaps take home the national title. Along with practicing for every phase, I really focused on my mental game. “Confidence is key”, they say, and they couldn’t be more right. The difference confidence can make in the end game is major!


What has been three of your most memorable experiences, while serving as MAOTeen for your state?
My most memorable experience as MPOTeen was the time I went to the USO with our Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Jessica Baeder. We went to help pass out food and drinks to the incoming military members, but what really happened gave me so much pride. A group of young boys and a girl, who recently graduated high school, sat down at the USO in the Philadelphia airport, awaiting their flight to serve for the first time in their young lives. They asked me if I wanted to play cards. Throughout our game, I asked them why they wanted to join the military. Some said it was because they came from a military family, while others said that their wish was to protect the country they loved. It was at that moment that gave me pride in my country. It is incredible to see such patriotism, especially in these young adults, and I hope that message can be spread more.


How have you striven to not only promote your personal platform, but also your national platform towards Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals?
I promote my platform, “Thank a Veteran”, with the “Thank a Veteran Campaign”. I created this campaign for schools to apply patriotic education in their curriculum. The week long program offers daily challenges for the students, ending the week with a Veteran presentation. Additionally, I promote the CMNHospitals with creative fundraisers, including helping with an annual CMNH dance marathon at my high school. This year we raised $31,403.56 for our local CMNH

With the recent news which has been brought up in regards to the former Miss America Org. board, what do you hope the future of the MAO holds with their new Chairwoman, Gretchen Carlson?
I have faith in our new chairwoman. I hope this organization continues to provide fantastic scholarships and raise intelligent, selfless young women.


It seems that we’re heading into a path towards women empowerment with these changes; what advice do you have for young women who are looking to step in to the Miss America Organization?
My advice is to just take a chance. You never know until you try! Many contestants never would have labeled themselves as “pageant girls”, however, once they joined they never looked back. This program offers so many opportunities and allows you the chance to learn and grow from your mistakes, helping you to better yourself as a person. So have a little faith, and try it out.



Pageants, in general, are so highly criticized by so many people across the world. What do you have to say to those who speak negatively about pageants?
I would admit to them that pageants aren’t for everyone. Some girls feel confident and empowered while others, unfortunately, do not. The MAOrg strives to raise real girls in a competition that helps uplift them and prepare them for the future.

How do you define yourself as a role-model for others?
I’m the type of role model that isn’t afraid to roll the dice and take chances.  I’ve always found a thrill in seeing where curiosity takes me. I believe that being a fearless role model makes for a successful leader.


What do you think is the biggest challenge which is facing the young generation of America today? And how can we work together to overcome it?
I believe that America’s current generation does not do enough good for their community. America is a country of freedom and opportunity. The question is, why don’t we take those opportunities to help others? My advice for our generation to get more involved is to find something that you enjoy. Once you find that passion, find a way to help out.


Now we are going to put a little challenge on you; we are going to ask you three of the five on-stage questions which were asked to the contestants during the Miss America 2018 pageant:
Maria Menounos asked: One hundred ninety-five countries signed the Paris agreement, in which each country sets nonbinding goals to reduce man-made climate change. The U.S. is withdrawing from the agreement, citing negligible environmental effects and negative economic impact. Good decision? Bad decision? Which is it and why?

I believe it was a bad decision because every day our world suffers from man-made climate change, among other things. Other countries claim they will be making changes in the future, however, our global progression to a cleaner environment starts NOW.

Tara Lipinski asked: A recent poll found slightly over half of Americans favored leaving Confederate statues in place, while others want them removed. Keep them or get rid of them? What’s your vote and why?
The confederate statues represent our history. Although this may have been a dark part of our past, it is still America’s history and it is important to remember these times.

Thomas Rhett asked: Given the evidence that concussions from playing football can cause brain damage, would you support legislation that outlaws full-contact football in elementary and high school? Yes or no, and why?
When it comes to full-contact sports, concussions, and any injuries for that matter, are very common. In my opinion, elementary students are not mature enough to make the right decision. High school students, however, should be allowed to play with the necessary safety equipment. High school students should acknowledge the dangers and take caution before playing.

Now that you’re all prepared for the Miss portion of Miss America, what are post-MAOTeen plans? How long until you compete in the Miss pageant? What are your future plans on college?
Now that the end of my reign is just about here, I’ve decided to really put all of my focus into academics and family. This year has probably been the busiest year of my life so far. I recently turned 16, so I still have a while until I could compete for Miss, if I choose to do so. Since I have earned so many scholarships from the MAOrg, I have many options on where I could go to college, but I am most interested in the University of Alabama.

As you have a few years till you can compete again, how will you plan to prepare for your transition from the Teen to the Miss pageant?
During my break before the Miss competition, I’m going to continue what I am doing now; community service, promoting my platform, etc. But most importantly, my goal for this transition is to remember who I am. Often times, when people have their mind set on a goal, they are willing to do anything, make any changes, in order to achieve that goal. During the transition of the two competitions, change is bound to happen, as it is a part of life. But one thing that will not change is me. I will always be myself.


What is one goal you have for the new MAOTeen PA, which you hope she is able to accomplish during her reign?
My goal for the next Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen is for her to expand her platform more than ever before.  Every year is a new opportunity for one girl to have her personal platform shine within the Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen program. I want her to take her platform to new heights and get creative! Don’t be afraid to do whatever it takes to let the voice of your platform be heard!

What words of advice do you have for the new class of contestants who are getting ready to compete for your title?
As a good friend once told me, “Every new opportunity is a chance to grow.” If you have any fear or doubt going into this competition, or in any realm of life, ask yourself, what do I have to lose? You only gain from your experiences and whether it’s positive or negative, you’ve still gained that knowledge, in which you can learn and grow from it.

What words of thanks do you have for your directors, Autumn and Judy?
All I have to say is WOW! My directors always inspire me. They are moms with full-time jobs AND they still put on an amazing week-long competition for our contestants. Although their competition days may have passed, they’ve still got it.

Who else would you like to thank for supporting you throughout this journey?
My family has always been my foundation. They are the people I always come back to and the people I can lean on in times of hardship. So, I extend my gratitude to them. I’d also like to share my thankfulness to my dancer teacher/sister I’ve always wanted. Lindsey, you have been there, by my side and through it all. You have guided me through the dark and shone me the light. We have celebrated the ups and pushed through the downs together. Thank you “10x” over for everything you’ve done for me! Xox

Where can people follow you on social media post-reign?
Madison Elizabeth on Facebook and Maddy_Dompkosky on Instagram!

What final words do you have for the readers of Bravura Magazine and those following you on social media?
My personal platform, “Thank a Veteran”, is very close to my heart, so, of course I’m going to share a little bit about that. Military members, away from their friends and families, sacrifice their lives for ours every single day. They go through hardships in order to sustain our happiness and our freedom. Remember this the next time you see someone in military attire. Approach them, shake their hand, and share your gratitude for their service. Let’s find the patriotism in our hearts to #makeAmericapatrioticagain!