Quatro Sponsors the Fitness Portion of Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen Competition
Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen is a preliminary qualifying competition to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, and Quatro was proud to have the opportunity to sponsor the fitness portion of the event.
Background About Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen Competition
Miss America’s Outstanding Teen was organized to encourage positive achievement by helping to nurture and build scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living, and community involvement of young women between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. The Miss PA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to young women on the basis of academic merit as well as civic and social achievement. Candidates also compete in talent, private interview, evening wear/onstage question, and lifestyle and fitness.
This Year’s Winner
Jersey Gianna Smith was crowned Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen on June 16, 2022 at the Appell Center for Performing Arts in York, Pennsylvania. Awarded an $8,000 scholarship, Jersey then went on to compete for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2023, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, Texas on August 12th. While there, Jersey competed and was awarded 2nd runner-up for the Teens in Action award.
A Difficult Diagnosis
As a young teenager, Jersey was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, a condition that caused her to lose her hair. Although this was an emotionally challenging diagnosis, it helped Jersey realize that her true beauty radiated from within. Since being diagnosed, Jersey has made it her mission to use her platform to raise awareness about Alopecia Areata. She has partnered with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) to advocate for equitable funding of wigs for those suffering from this autoimmune disease.
An Interview with Jersey Gianna Smith
Quatro had an opportunity to interview Jersey Gianna after she was crowned Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2022, so let’s get to know a little bit more about her.
- How did you get involved in competing in Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen? Have you participated in other competitions?
I have been a competitive dancer since the age of 5 and I’ve competed in pageants as well. I have always wanted to compete in the Miss America system. My journey started last year when I won Miss York County’s Outstanding Teen, which is a local competition for Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen. I had the pleasure of representing York, PA and then I was on my way to compete for the state title. Last June, I was crowned Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen 2022. It was a wonderful experience.
- Can you describe your most memorable moment that took place during a competition?
After I won the state title all of the former Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teens that were able to attend the competition circled around me, sang a song and we all danced together! It was fabulous ❤️
- How do you balance your academic workload, school activities, and responsibilities as Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding teen?
I think it’s very important to use an agenda with a pencil. The key to juggling a rigorous schedule is to be organized and flexible.
- Can you tell us about your diagnosis with Alopecia? How did your diagnosis affect your life?
I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when I was only ten years old. Alopecia is a common autoimmune skin disease that attacks your hair follicles and makes your hair fall out. I struggled with this as a young girl and even now as a teenager. I’ve realized that the best coping mechanism for me was to advocate for people with alopecia. As a legislative mentor, volunteering for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation I have raised over 10,000 dollars for medical wigs. I meet with congressional leaders to advocate for medical wigs and continue raising awareness about Alopecia through my social impact initiative- My True Glory with Alopecia Areata.
- What are the most important life lessons you have taken away from your participation in the Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen Competition?
Throughout my journey as Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen, I’ve learned to be resilient, flexible, and to enjoy every moment because it’s an opportunity of a lifetime!
- Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do for the talent portion of your competition?
A lyrical acrobatic dance routine to “Music of the Night” from the phantom of the opera!
- Do you plan on continuing to compete in the Miss America competitions? If so, what are your long and short term goals?
Absolutely! I want to be Miss America one day! Long Term- I want to further my education and go to medical school to become a dermatologist. Short Term- continue studying and focusing on my health and career goals!
- What is the biggest obstacle you've overcome? In competition or in life?
Getting to the point where I was able to share my story about my diagnosis with alopecia areata has been the biggest obstacle I have overcome.
- What are your hobbies/interests outside of your responsibilities as Miss Pennsylvania OutstandingTeen?
Some of my interests include the following:
⁃ competitive dancer ⁃ Yearbook photographer ⁃ Active advocate for my school ⁃ Cheerleader ⁃ Lifeguard ⁃ Student Council Member ⁃ National Honor Society
- What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to participate in one of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competitions?
Go for it! Chase your dreams! It is a lot of hard work, but it is worth it! You meet so many new friends (sisterhood), you earn scholarships for education, and experience new opportunities.
- What are your future career goals?
To further my education and go to medical school to become a dermatologist and own my own medical office!
- What do you like about Quatro?
Quatro is absolutely amazing! The people are great to work with and their product is top of the line! The material is durable, beautiful, and has a very clean fit.
I am so proud of Quatro’s accomplishments! Especially with Quatro USA! They are absolutely amazing, wonderful and inspiring. They have opened so many new opportunities not only for me, but also for our organization! I feel so blessed to have them in my life!
