“I was born in a rural village in South Africa while my parents were donating eight years of pro bono medical and community work. I admire Angelina Jolie because she’s exposing her children to the way I grew up, and I really connect to the way she’s raising her kids to be more globally aware.”

“My classmates are all super – I can’t tell you how many are at Harvard, discovering new things and changing the world. I took a very different route! But no one else in my class can say they were Miss Maryland USA.”

“I think people expect titleholders to turn a blind eye to the negative and plain hurtful comments that are posted about us everyday, but they are hard to ignore. I still urge people before you press enter to bash and bully anyone of my fellow contestants and I, please remember we are human beings just following our dreams. You never know what someone has been through and how damaging a comment can really be.  “

1 Audrey’s favorite food is buffalo or bison ribs. 2 Audrey is an only child, but always wished she had brothers and sisters.3 Audrey has a fear of ice-skating, especially having

blades on your shoes.

" I have ridden horses since I could walk and I am excited to head off to MISS USA® for the most exciting ride of my life! Let your horsepower lead you! "

Audrey Bolte is a native born Ohioan with a degree in business administration and a minor in equine studies. Her passion for horses developed at a young age and catapulted her into a successful competitive equestrian career.  Audrey claims that it was her love for horses and the equestrian sport that shaped her into the woman she is today.

“I’m terrified of public speaking, terrified of interviewing.When I interviewed at prelims my knees were shaking, so I’ve learned to realize that as long as I’m myself and I’m saying what I believe in then I can be comfortable.” 

"I never even wear a bathing suit out to the pool, so getting onstage in a bikini in front of people is a little scary. I'm really shy and super-scared of being onstage, so it definitely helped me to learn to get out there and be more confident in myself, which I really like. In the whole process, you really learn more about yourself and who you are.”

"Basically, my heart would get real fast. And as I was getting older, it was getting more serious and I was in the hospital more often. So I decided to have my surgery before the pageant."

“Growing up I was more interested in arts and sciences rather than sports (I’ve been playing the saxophone for the past 12 years!). Honestly I don't even need two pairs of shoes! Just give me some comfy sneakers and I am good to go. I am all about comfort. I would just bedazzle them if I needed to go somewhere fancy.”

“If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city life you should head over to Midtown Atlanta and If you want to go somewhere more relaxing and tranquil visiting the Tybee Island in Savannah is a must! Georgia is also home to some of the most well known and recognized American companies such as Coca-Cola, Chick-FMy words of wisdom are to not be afraid to go out there and try new things and strive for greatness. I know it may sound pretty textbook, but look where it got meil-A, and CNN. My words of wisdom are to not be afraid to go out there and try new things and strive for greatness. I know it may sound pretty textbook, but look where it got me!”

“There is nothing like growing up in a small town and feeling like you know everybody who lives within a five-mile radius of you. Going to Friday night football games, going to the flea market on Saturday, passing by BoomTown Fireworks on Highway 280, Mike and Ed’s BBQ in Smiths Station and so many more things. I might travel and maybe even live in the bigger cities around the nation, but home is where the heart is. When you are a leader, you learn what it means to inspire and lead a team to success and those attributes have been most beneficial to me in preparing for Miss Alabama USA. You can’t be a representative for an entire state -- yet the whole nation -- without knowledge on what it really means to be a leader.”

" Many girls prepare their whole lives for this one moment. For me, I see Miss USA as an opportunity to reach new and greater heights in the future. "

“While my siblings were out playing, I was reading about Mexican folk tales, fairies, and monsters. I started to write my own novel about 400 times but it never got quite finished. I believe that my passion for words and languages stemmed from these early years. I was also extroverted and I loved

dancing, especially if it was in front of crowds.”

 ”I was named after a famous Spanish soap opera character that my parents both envisioned their future daughter to resemble. The character played the part of a hardworking, strong charactered and independent woman. So far, I believe I have done a few things to fufill that role. I am a graduate of Pomona College with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in Spanish Literature. As of January, I will be certified in Radio and Television Broadcasting. I love visiting new places; I have spent a lot of my summers traveling around the world. Parallel to my passion for traveling is my love for languages. I am fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian. I am a Leo, a Lioness with a warm and loving heart. “

“I would love the opportunity to start my own organization, Michelle’s Tiny Dancers, in memory of my Aunt Michelle, who I am named after. She passed away from Leukemia two years before I was born, and when she was alive she created her own organization where she taught children in poverty how to dance out of her own pocket. She rented the rehearsal space, bought their costumes, put on their shows, etc.. In honor of my Aunt, I would like to create this organization and bring dance to children that are unable to leave the hospital.”

“I love to change my work out’s all the time, but for the most part you will find me in the gym in the wee hours of the morning (6:30am!!) and after I am done with class for the day. I like doing two-a-days so I can split cardio and weight training. But I also have gotten really into pilates and spinning! As far as dieting goes, I really don’t diet. I am Italian and don’t like to restrict myself from food that makes me happy! My main goal is not to be skinny, but rather have a healthy, STRONG, body. I believe it is a titleholders responsibility to set an example of how to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

1 Lauren would love to meet Betty White because she is “such a fun lady and shows us that age does not matter!”2 Lauren can touch her tongue to her nose.3 When she was younger, Lauren had a fear of public speaking but has since overcome her fear in a communication course.

*Lauren says she was faced with a difficult decision to go to college, as she had been dancing for 16 years and didn’t want to give up her dream of being a famous dancer;

*With a double major in modern dance and human relations, she is proud to be building her education and career foundation while still being able to perform.

“I was the designated girl at the competition with whom the other girls prayed.While at the Miss Texas Pageant, I was so nervous that I had to pray in the restroom right before they announced the finalists.”

1 Brittany was born six weeks prematurely and was in an incubator after her birth.2 As a child, Brittany was on a synchronized swimming team.3 Brittany would love to be a Victoria’s Secret model.

“The first time I visited Cedar Park Elementary my heart was immediately drawn to a little boy named Evan. Evan is ten years old and has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. While I was working with his school district to raise money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Evan worked diligently to get his classmates involved. I was able to recognize Evan on my University’s stage a few days after he underwent surgery. Evan was named a “Miracle Maker.” The look of excitement on his face made the many hours I spent working at his school worthwhile.”

“Nike Shorts- I don’t know if it’s my favorite piece of clothing, but it is definitely my most worn! I love wearing tank tops and bright nike shorts when I work out, go to the lake, or do anything active! My favorite accessory would be a Caerleon ring that my parents bought me on my twenty-first birthday. The stone can be changed out, so it goes with anything! Plus, it’s special to me because it was a gift from my parents.”

“I never knew how much I appreciated my home town roots until I moved away for 7 years and then moved back home. I moved to Owasso, Oklahoma when I was 12 years old because that is where my dad was relocated for his job in the pharmaceutical industry. I grew to like Oklahoma and eventually it became my new home. I was very involved in the town that I lived in and I honestly didn’t know if I would ever move back to Louisiana. Freshman year of college came around, and at this point, my dad had been transferred back down south. I attended Oklahoma State University for one semester and became very homesick. I decided to take a leap of faith and move back to Lafayette, LA after being away for 7 years. I had kept in touch with maybe 2 people so I definitely had to put myself out there in order to make new friends. It was tough to say the least, but I did it. It was the best decision I have ever made.”

“Fast food is a huge contributor to the obesity epidemic. I am guilty of eating fast food if I am rushing to be somewhere and I haven’t eaten. I’ll pick up a hamburger or something, but I try so hard to say no and eat at home. I believe that if we had more healthy eating options that are “fast” and easy, then that could help this issue tremendously. I also feel that people nowadays are becoming so dependent on doing whatever is easiest for them so the lack of motivation to get up and do something is lacking. If we could some how motivate people to go and enjoy the sunshine and actually cook a meal for once, I would be thrilled. Pick your battles. In the past, I would dwell on the smallest things. They would eat at me and bring me down. As I’ve gotten older I have come to the realization that you are in control of your feelings and that you can change a negative into a positive with a flip of a switch.”

“One of the most enjoyable experiences I had at Miss USA was working with Best Buddies and making a life-long friendship with a high school girl named Amber. Being able to put a smile on her face was an indescribable feeling. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to explore the woman I have become and the life I am building. Being Miss Maine USA has given me this gift, and that is something I will carry with me forever. I hope these words speak even to those of you who could really care less about pageants. With any major life event, where our courage is tested and we are challenged in a new way, there are an abundance of gifts. I learned that for me, the most rewarding gift is making another person feel good about themselves.”

*In her junior year of college, Rani spent a semester studying abroad in Cannes, France. She traveled, studied French and art;*She also loves traveling and hopes to travel to Thailand and Vietnam in the future. 1 At age 9, Rani’s love for animals inspired her to become a vegetarian.2 One of Rani’s hidden talents is the limbo.3 Rani loves to follow Rain Wilson’s hilarious tweets on Twitter.

“I do not think wearing a swimsuit for competition is demeaning to women. If I am a healthy woman and work out, I want to be able to flaunt my hard work. My body is one of the only things I can control and it takes a lot of discipline to be fit. It is very empowering to us pageant girls to finally show off the results of all the discipline and dedication we go through to be in shape. I am obviously subjecting myself to a "swimsuit round", so clearly I do not feel degraded and nobody else should feel that for me. If I thought it was demeaning I would not do it and everybody else who competes has that choice too.”

“If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be humble. I think this word best describes me because I do not expect anything to be given to me so I work hard for everything I get. I am always appreciative and never forget where it came from. Also, I am quick to extend myself to others whenever they may need me. “

1 Erika was the personal assistant and nanny for Hugh Jackman and his family.2 Erika has played the clarinet since she was 12 years old.3 Erika was bitten by a brown recluse spider and had to have surgery.

*Erika has been recognized as the keynote speaker and guest soloist for numerous civic, church and school related functions;

*Erika was selected as a Top-25 Global Semi-Finalist in the Avon Voices Talent Search, beating out over 6,000 submissions. 

1 Jessica’s favorite movie is “The Devil Wears Prada.”2 Jessica is an only child, but her father recently remarried and she now has new stepsiblings.3 Jessica currently rides horses recreationally, but would like to get back into competitive riding.

*Growing up on a farm, Jessica developed a special place in her heart for animals. Jessica is a long time member of PETA and volunteers at her local humane shelter. *In 2004, Jessica’s’ father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; since that time, Jessica has been an active supporter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

1 Jessica grew up without a TV because her parents wanted her to spend more time outdoors. 2 After watching “The Notebook,”Jessica re-watched it six times in a row!3 Jessica’s dream job is to be a relationship talk show host. 4 She lived mostly in small towns and rural villages that were sometimes only accessible by dog sled or airplane and had populations of less than 1,000 people.  5 Jessica attended Mississippi State University for an exchange semester and represented the U.S. as a student ambassador to Europe. 

“When I was younger, I used to swim a lot and hated to comb my hair, so my mom took me to the hair dresser and they cut my hair like Bam-Bam from the Flintstones. Straight bowl cut, literally, they put a bowl around my head. That is why you will NEVER see me with hair shorter than my shoulders. Besides my family and my faith, I love Swedish pancakes, red velvet frozen yogurt, and my dogs. Probably in that order. Oh, and vacations! ”

“I love UCI. The campus is beautiful, but I love most is just being in class and learning. The professors are amazing. What’s cool about UCI too is that it’s a research school. We can relate things we learn in class to what the professors are doing every day in their labs. Not a lot of schools have that opportunity for students, so I’m glad that UCI has that to offer. I used to have acne really bad in high school, and I was made fun of a lot for it. I went to a bunch of different things, I tried everything. I eventually came up with my own solution and have been working on a perfect solution for my type of skin. I’m in the process of getting to shadow a dermatologist in Manhattan Beach and see what day-to-day to life is  like for that profession.”

“I enjoy working out to relieve stress. A long run on a beautiful day really clears my head, as well as Bikram yoga. I have recently started cooking and baking in my downtime. I love swapping out ingredients to “healthify” recipes. I also travel to my clients for various events so I always bring a book with me; typically one about operating a successful business or one with inspiring stories. Last but not least, I love watching TV as I am winding down. I record a bunch of my favorite shows and watch them back to back to escape for a few hours at the end of the day.I would be lost without my daily planner! I am extremely organized with my schedule to the point where I have it color coded by activity and meticulously documenting each day. I tried the electronic schedule and while convenient, I found that I need to have a physical monthly calendar versus a hand held or computer to visualize the entire month and plan accordingly. I am also a “list-maker”. I end each day with a “To-Do” list for the next day and that helps me stay productive.

1 Krista recently lost 55 pounds and went down 10 pant sizes.2 A dream job for Krista would be working as a trainer on “The Biggest Loser.”3 Krista loves to work out to the song “Stereo Love.”

“I think every time you achieve a goal and give 110 percent in something you have done then you made it. I don’t look at making it as an ending but a beginning. Once you “make it,” it is up to you to now achieve more in that area or another. I am always striving to improve or be better. If I could have any powers I would have lightening speed, be able to fly, and able to control time. The lightening speed is pretty self explanatory. Downtown in DC. There is a never ending list of things to do downtown: museums, great restaurants, the movies at Gallery Place and if you aren’t too tired then a round or two of bowling at Lucky Strike. That sounds like an ideal day!”

“My mother has had a lifelong dream of designing a gown for me. Of course, it was supposed to be a wedding gown.But for the moment, it’s this. My cousin was gluing the stones on herself. My father personally hand-delivered it to Florida from Germany. That’s a long trip! I looked him in the eye, stared him down, and said ‘Not one wrinkle on this dress, OK?’ Not all of my bags made it to Vegas.For the first two days I was there, I was wearing the same clothes. I didn’t want to wear the clothes I’d packed for (pageant activities).”

1 Brandie’s great uncles are famous Hawaiian singers. Their group is called The Brothers Cazimero. 2 Brandie works for Hawaiian Airlines as a flight attendant.3 Brandie loves playing racquetball because it is fast-paced and serves as a good workout. 4 Brandie is of Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, and Filipino descent. 5 Brandie also loves creating specialty wedding and birthday cakes and participates in various pastry arts courses at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in Honolulu. 6 Brandie comes from a very musical family and started playing the alto saxophone in sixth grade. 

“Modeling & fashion are my two biggest passions but I also love to travel. I'm ambitious and I enjoy challenging myself by going out of my comfort zone. I have incredible parents who’ve taught me morals, integrity and the most important to have faith in God. I love being Miss Idaho USA and using this title to reach out to young women & teens and encourage them to move from being spectators to be social change makers.”

“I always wanted to be successful. I knew I was going to be successful, no question about it. My parents are very accomplished. For me, I always saw a strong work ethic, and that was always instilled in me. I wake up for work in the morning, and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, I’m Miss Illinois. I guess I should probably put on makeup today.’ I’m reaching out mostly to education entities trying to get into schools and talk to students about the importance of grades, since it’s so hard to get a good job and make a living without having at least a high school diploma ”

" As I compete for the Miss USA title, I will be thinking not only of the personal achievements that have gotten me there, but I will also be inspired and motivated by the achievements of the state of Indiana. Seeing the perseverance of my fellow Hoosiers through the destruction caused by the tornadoes in Henryville has given my title and success new meaning. "

“Iowa is home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. The University of Iowa was also the first college to enroll women!  I am proud of Iowa for its citizens. Iowa is full of respectful, genuine, friendly individuals, and it doesn't go unnoticed around the nation. I would take you to see the capital in Des Moines, to downtown Iowa City to see the University of Iowa campus as well as the old capital, and to an Iowa Football game at Kinnick stadium.If I could change anything about the world it would be Orphanages or "group homes" around the world. My cousin was adopted from an orphanage in another country and her living environment was unacceptable, it broke my heart.”

“My friends in high school would have called me a nerd.I’d stay at home and study when I needed to. I was a cheerleader and involved in a lot of clubs and honor societies.I’ve really needed to fund college on my own, because it was just my grandmother and me. There was kind of a pressure to do that. I’ve learned in college not to be afraid of the professors because they are here to help you.Any time I was struggling, if I didn’t understand a lecture, I’d go in and ask, ‘would you clarify that for me?’ Or if I didn’t do so well on a paper, I’d ask how exactly I could get an ‘A’ the next time.”

1 Amanda’s worst job was working for a collection agency when she was 14.2 Amanda is a registered nurse and wants to work in the pediatric field.3 Recently, Amanda was on the cover of the Salute to the Troops Special Edition issue of “Maxim Magazine.”4 She loves kickboxing, practicing yoga, jet skiing, cooking, watching basketball and football, writing, and playing with her 2 dogs, Jade and Gizmo. 

1 Natalie speaks Polish fluently and travels back to Poland each year to spend time with her family.2 Natalie’s sister Monica Pietrzak was named Miss Connecticut USA 2009 and placed in the Top 15 in the 2009 MISS USA® Competition.3 Natalie is an extremely accurate age-guesser. She is rarely wrong! 4 Natalie is a first-generation American; her parents are originally from Poland. They came to the U.S. with few possessions, taught English to themselves, and established notable careers as Engineers. 5 Natalie has also done public relations work in Boston for clients in the fashion, health, and restaurant industries.

 ”I would like to promote the fact that Minnesota is so diverse and some people may or may not know that Minnesota is a wonderful and accepting state for refugees and immigrants. Asian-Americans make up to 40% of Minnesota's immigrant population. I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand to Lao parents and I have eight siblings!  I probably wouldn't be able to live without music so my iPhone and candy! I love candy. Especially sour staws and pixie sticks! I would love to have the opportunity to invite and speak with our First Lady Michelle Obama because I think that she's an amazing, smart, and inspirational woman. I would hope to gain some wisdom from the conversation that I would have with her. I've learned how to better myself in my confidence and speaking abilities. I wouldn't say that I "expect" anything. It's a learning experience and it's what you, yourself, make of it at the end of the day.”

1 Myverick’s family bred hedgehogs when she was growing up.2 Myverick loves Marvel comics and imagines herself as a cross between Wonder Woman and Dr. Jean Gray.3 Myverick is a bona fide Disney movie buff and can sing every Disney song.4 Due to her impoverished background, Myverick was continually bullied. Her mother chose to homeschool her until high school.

1 Katie’s father was a professional linebacker in the NFL.2 Katie started playing golf when she was young and continues to play now.3 Katie claims that she is not a good dancer and takes Zumba classes to develop rhythm.4 She hopes to obtain a career in broadcasting. 5 Katie enjoys spending time with her family, her friends, and her Pomeranian, Rocky. 6  Katie’s hobbies include traveling, yoga, golf, decorating, and anything outdoors. Katie also loves attending sporting events. 7  She enjoys visiting schools, children’s hospitals, and local animal shelters.

1 Autumn helped with her family’s cleaning business and is a self-proclaimed toilet-cleaning expert.2 Autumn’s favorite food is beans and her sister calls her the “Bean Queen.”3 Autumn is terrified of heights and once had to stop a Ferris wheel she was on. 4 Last year, she purchased her first home and she lives with her sister, Angela and Great Dane, Denali. 5 In the future, she hopes to open a formal and wedding gown boutique.

“Hearing my name announced as the new Miss Nebraska USA is a moment that I will cherish forever.  I felt numb each time they were announcing the runners up and hoping that this year I wouldn’t hear my name as one. This year marked my fourth attempt at the title and I feel like I have really come full circle from when I started. I could change and improve upon. I also continually reminded myself to “let go and let God”. One of the most exciting opportunities I have had this far was the chance to go to New York City! I jumped on this opportunity because I had never been to NYC before!”

“I strongly believe in helping people get access to quality health care. Most people don't realize how much community service is involved with girls who do pageants. They're very driven, ambitious, and want to give back and reach out to their communities. I created an online sponsorship account and posted it on my Facebook page nearly every day — if not every day. The majority of my sponsorship came from my friends and family who all pitched in and supported me ... I put a little donation jar on my desk at work, too, with a note on it that said, 'Miss N.H. U.S.A. fund — please and thank you!”

“When I was growing up, he was always my coach in whatever sport I was playing at the time – softball, volleyball, track, or basketball!  So when I started competing in pageants he still wanted to be my “coach!”   There were many times when he would prance back and forth in our living room with his hands on his hips showing me how I should walk on stage!  My Dad is 6’3” and very much a manly man, so you can imagine how hilarious he looked! Sports, especially basketball, consumed my life, and pageants never even crossed my mind back then.  It was during my second year of college when I was no longer involved in sports, that I decided I wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone.  I really missed competing, so I thought pageants might be another way for me to “compete.”  My first pageant was a small local pageant and I won!  From there, I went to the Miss Earth United States Pageant and was crowned United States Miss Fire!  After that, I was hooked!  I do occasionally still pick up a basketball, but not as much as I would like! My future plans are to obtain my Master’s degree and eventually land my dream job working for ESPN as their Director of Marketing!”

1 Johanna is terrified of heights, but conquered her fear by going parasailing. 2 Johanna would love to open her own Dominican Restaurant.3 Johanna studies fashion and enjoys sketching designs. 4 Johanna Sambucini is a recognized in her home state of New York for being a Dominican-Italian beauty that promotes health, fitness and confidence.  5 She is pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration. 

“I had a lot of exciting and memorable experiences, but I think the one that was my favorite was actually going to Las Vegas to watch Miss USA 2008. I really liked meeting all of the other teens before we were put into a competitive environment. It gave us all a chance to relax a little and start to make friendships. I also really enjoyed sitting in the front row watching the live telecast and after the show meeting Donald Trump.”

“As an individual who never imagined struggling with a mental health issue of any sort, I found myself caught in a battle that an estimated 8 million people in American fight . . . an eating disorder. I was fortunate enough to eventually reach out for professional help, but it took years of trying to fix it myself, before I realized I could not do it alone. I will make an impact by educating individuals about the causes and warning signs of an eating disorder.I will also stress the importance of seeking treatment to regain a healthy body, mind, and soul. Outreach is one of the most effective means to educate those dealing with a disorder, promote effective support systems, and inform the general public. Addressing this mentally and physically debilitating disorder is critical to the well being of thousands of young adults."

I just spent 2 1/2 weeks with the woman who is now Miss USA.She’s very sweet.I know a lot of people say that. But she really cares about people, and I think she’s going to do an amazing job. She works really hard.She looks the same without makeup on.I feel a little sad that it’s over ... but I’m ready for the next step in my life. I think it will be volleyball from here on out. I need to finish school. I have three finals I’m coming home to. I feel very blessed.

1 Sheena competed for 7 years before she won her state title.2 Sheena’s favorite song is “Memory” from the musical “Cats.”3 Sheena enjoys geology and studying rock formations. 4 Sheena Monnin holds a bachelor’s degree in human service and a master’s degree in psychology. 5 Sheena enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and learning about earth and social science. 

"Every single day you have to look like the next Miss USA -- full hair and makeup, wearing 6-inch heels at 5 a.m. Beauty pageants get a bad rap from people, and I was one of them ... but I have met these girls and they are amazing women. ““The Asians love me. I don't know if it's my blonde hair and blue eyes or what, but every day I probably get about 30 fan emails in my inbox from all over the world. That's one of my favorite things is reading those and replying to those.I have this one little 10-year-old boy who just got his first email account and we message back and forth every day. He tells me how his day at school was ... he's kind of like my pen pal. I've never met him, I don't even know what his name is, but I just love reading his messages because he is so funny.”

1 Kendyl was a competitive figure skater growing up.2 Kendyl loves the song “For Good” from the musical “Wicked.” 3 Kendyl enjoys taking cake-decorating classes. 4 After losing her grandmother to Breast Cancer seven weeks before the Miss Utah USA competition, Kendyl would like to dedicate her year as Miss Utah USA to those affected by Breast Cancer. 5 Kendyl also works as a Zumba instructor for various gyms in the Salt Lake Valley and has been a licensed instructor since October 2008.  She loves working out to all of the Latin rhythms, especially salsa.  6 In March 2011, Kendyl visited Peru to help provide free medical and dental care for the Peruvians in villages.  Additionally, Kendyl spent a month in Zambia.

“MY FAMILY LAUGHS AT ME BECAUSE IN A PHOTO OF MY FIRST TIME TURKEY HUNTING I HAD MAKEUP ON AND THE WIND WAS BLOWING BACK MY HAIR,” DRAGON SAID. “IT LOOKED LIKE A PHOTO-SHOPPED SHOT. THEY(THE PAGEANT JUDGES) ASKED ME ABOUT MY FIRST TIME DEER HUNTING WITH A BOW AND ARROW, AND I TOLD THEM HOW I STARTED PETTING THE DEER AND HOW IT DIDN’T WORK OUT SO WELL. As an apprentice you get real-life experience in a salon as opposed to working on mannequin heads. New customers are wary at first.Hair isn’t like a sweater you can put on or take off. You wear it every day. It goes hand and hand.When you compete in pageants you learn how to dress yourself and do your own hair and makeup. You develop a creative eye for what colors and shapes are flattering. It’s all about proportion. I love my job.I love what I do. It’s not just about the physical transformation. It’s about empowering women to feel good on the inside as well.”

1 Catherine was born congenitally missing teeth and has since had dental implants.2 A dream career for Catherine would be the dentist television personality on a makeover show.3 Catherine was scouted in a mall as a teenager and went on to win Miss New York Teen USA.4  She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University in 2007 and in 2011 she was awarded a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.  5 When Catherine is not treating patients, she enjoys playing water sports, socializing with both new and old friends, and spending time with her Maltese dog, Winnie.

“My last horse show was the Emerald Classic, which was actually just two weeks before my pageant. I had to skip one of the days of the show, because of a pageant clinic I had to attend.  I started showing Quarter Horses when I was pretty young. I probably got my first horse when I was eight. I’m so thankful to have been in the horse show world, because looking at those dress prices doesn’t phase me now! Compared to what we spend on show clothes, an evening gown to wear on national television costs about the same. About a week before the pageant, I was out at the barn with all of the girls at the farm, and Kip was giving me a lesson. It was so funny, because they were all sitting on the fence asking me controversial questions, while I was loping around the arena. I hope to show more this summer, and if not, my mom will probably take my horse and go show him herself. She grew up showing horses. She has had about 12 horses over the years and knows all of the old Quarter Horse trainers from back in the day. We have been showing together since I was little. It is kind of a mother daughter thing.”

“I have found from my personal experiences that pageants are an amazing opportunity to create friendships as well as networking opportunities throughout our beautiful state.Not only have these skills(College of Business and Economics) been helpful in the occupational setting, but I've also been able to apply what I've learned in my daily encounters. The College of Business and Economics also provided me with great life lessons and opportunities such as attending career fairs and the opportunity to study abroad. It really did help to prepare me for later in life”

" I'm a natural girl who loves to be barefoot, a renegade always looking to challenge the status quo; a laughter addict, an adventure junkie, and a Harry Potter fanatic. "

“I don’t have a favorite piece of clothing, although I love just chilling in yoga clothes!” 

Guilty pleasure songs: Anything Glee or musicals for sure….plus Spice Girls (WANNABE) and NSYNC! (Don’t pretend you aren’t singing every word when that stuff comes on the radio, you know you do.) TV Shows: “Gilmore Girls,” “Dexter” and “What I Like About You.” I don’t know if there’s anything guilty about any of those, but I love them! Food: Ice cream, chocolate chip cookies and Mt. Dew. I know soda isn’t a food, but I definitely count it anyway. I’m an addict.

“Nothing is more beautiful than confidence. This is something that took me a long time to learn.Once you find it and harness it, you are unstoppable! Wyoming is like a small town with a long Main Street. It is a very large state and takes hours to drive across, but everywhere you go people are so friendly and welcoming. You may arrive as a stranger, but you’ll leave as a friend.”