Hello everyone,
WOW! Where do I begin to tell you about my experience at Miss America's Outstanding Teen? When first flying down to Orlando, Florida I had many mixed emotions and hundreds of thoughts running through my head. "Will the Girls be nice?" "Would I like my roommate?" I was very nervous about competition and about the whole week in general.
When I arrived in Orlando, I stayed one night with my E.D., Mrs.Anita, and we had tons of fun together, but I was ready to meet all of the girls! I met a few of them when I went to the Tony Bowls photo shoot on the very first day. Everyone was so sweet, including the camera men and makeup artist. After a while, my nerves turned into excitement, and I was ready to begin.
I moved into my room later that day, met my awesome roommate from Nevada, and got settled. We had a nice little party and fashion show and I got to meet many of the girls. We hung out that night and started feeling more and more comfortable. Little did we know, we were about to become like sisters and experience the week of a lifetime with each other.
Over the next couple of days, we danced and rehearsed at least eight hours a day. We thought it would be super hard, but we had the time of our lives. After working so closely together and spending time together, all of us really bonded. I can truly say that these girls became some of my best friends. We all had so much in common.
After the long rehearsals each day, we would enjoy an awesome appearance together. Each night was something different and fun! We were presented at Medieval Times and enjoyed a fantastic performance from the knights. It was so awesome walking out with the Alabama flag. We ate great meals every night, danced the night away at Planet Hollywood and went to a few shops in Downtown Disney. Also we had two parties at the hotel with Taylor Fitch, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. We truly had a blast! We also attended a princess luncheon and saw all of the beautiful little young ladies in the princess program. My princesses, Sydney and Savannah were precious! This is where we first met Katie Stam, our beautiful Miss America! Each appearance was fun and memorable in its own way.
Before we knew it, it was time to compete. It was a little overwhelming, there were so many things going on at one time. We were all very nervous and anxious, but once competition started, everything fell into place. The interview process was fun. The judges were nice and we all enjoyed getting to know them. My first phase of competition was evening gown and onstage question. The onstage question, which is one of the most nerve wracking parts for me , actually came from each of the contestants. We submitted three questions with our paperwork we sent in and they chose one to ask. The new MAOT actually answered my question onstage. In the fitness number, the MAOT board gave us all blue and teal spandex outfits to model on stage. We had a great time modeling them and showing off our muscles. For talent, we all performed what we had worked on for so long. It was very rewarding to do my talent on the stage of MAOT. Being onstage in every phase of competition made us feel like royalty. It was also fun performing the opening numbers for each phase of competition. One night we did a dance to Mama Mia music. We had a blast and everyone loved it !
The final night, Jeanette Moreland, Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen, was crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2010. She was a very sweet girl and we all loved her very much. I know she will do a wonderful job this year! Although I did not win the pageant, I was awarded the third place prize for the Caitlin Brunell Children's Miracle Network award. Also, I sold the most ads in the pageant. Over all, I was very blessed to receive $3,750.00 in scholarship money and equally as important, memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Avery Cooper
Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen 2009
