PHOTO BY JAMES MASTERS
From the moment the curtains opened at the Orange County Convention Center’s Linda Chapin Theater and the contest- ants burst onto the stage performing a compilation of ABBA songs from the hit Broadway show Mamma Mia, it was clear this year’s event would be a fast paced and energetic production. The performance highlighted the rare and exceptional talent of the extraordinary young women vying for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010.
The weeklong festivities culminated in Orlando on August 15th, a Saturday night, and would feature a performance including every single Miss America’s Outstanding Teen titleholder since the competition’s inception. Meghan Miller, Maria DeSantis, Caitlin Brunell and Taylor Fitch were the first four members of an exclusive sorority and they were about to invite a fifth
into their ranks, one who would be selected from the 52 delegates representing every state, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each contestant began her epic quest in her hometown winning preliminary titles, moving up to conquer her home state competition, and they now gathered to compete for the “one crown to rule them all”—so to speak.
GRAND OPENING: The opening number, with 2008 winner Taylor Fitch singing lead vocals, was a fitting finale to the week’s events recapping Taylor’s year of noble and commendable service to her platform “Overcoming Physical Challenges: Heart, Mind, and Hand.”
The opening performance wound to a stirring close with the girls marching to the stage, carrying their state flags to the traditional opening song, “It’s Our Time to Shine Girls.” The audience erupted with a rousing ovation and the competition was officially underway.
After each of the delegates were introduced with a quick video montage, the hosts took the stage. This year’s hosts were Todd Newton, best known from E! Entertainment television, and Miss America 2010 Katie Stam. Katie glided across the stage and was a vision of stunning beauty in a short black ruffled dress with flawless hair and make-up. It was no surprise when the audience gave her a standing ovation. Both hosts performed magnificently, keeping the event moving at a swift pace. After a brief introduction they invited Taylor to the stage, and she was greeted with another standing ovation.
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