The Royal Spotlight is an interview series where I highlight queens from a variety of pageant systems. This month I have the pleasure of featuring Miss Teen of America 2018 Alana Castle.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a senior at Canton Area Junior/Senior High school where I am currently ranked first in my class, a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Scholarship Challenge Team, President of the Giving Tree Club, and the senior class secretary. Although I enjoy reading, especially Ayn Rand novels, I am extremely passionate about the sciences. I also am an athletic letterman, and I am a member of both Canton’s Varsity Cross Country and Track teams. Aside from varsity athletics, I enjoy staying active by hiking, biking, weight lifting, and participating in CrossFit. I am employed at my local fitness center as a yoga instructor and as a hostess at a local restaurant. I own one dog, one cat, two goldfish, and a hermit crab!
During my free time, I enjoy thrift shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I plan to attend the University of Pittsburgh Honors College in the Fall of 2018 to major in biology or neuroscience with a possible minor in psychology. Once I earn my bachelor’s degree, I plan to enroll in medical school to become a doctor of neurology. I aspire to research new prevention and treatment options, as well as potential cures for neurological diseases.
When did you start competing in pageants?
I competed in my first pageant in the summer of 2014 after receiving an invitation from American Pageants in the mail. Upon learning that American Pageants is a scholastically based pageant system that recognizes young women for their outstanding personal achievements, leadership abilities, artistic and athletic talents, as well as their commitment to serving their communities, I decided to accept the invitation. After being awarded the Scholastic Achievement Award at American Pageants’ 2014 Miss Teen of Pennsylvania Pageant, I gained confidence in myself and my abilities. Two years later, in 2016, I competed again and placed Second Runner-up to the title of Miss Teen of Pennsylvania. This past summer, I was blessed to have been crowned as the 2017 Miss Teen of Pennsylvania. I was even more honored to have been crowned the 2018 Miss Teen of America at the national pageant this past November.
Why do you compete in pageants?
To date, I have yet to compete in a pageant system outside of American Pageants. However, my time in this system has shown me how truly incredible the world of pageantry can be. Whether I brought home a title or not, I always left each pageant with a newfound confidence, plethora of incredible new friends, and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. Someone once told me that the goal of pageantry is not to crown a winner from a group of representatives, rather, it is to honor a representative from a group of winners. I wholeheartedly believe this to be true. Competing in pageants has given me confidence, poise, public speaking and interview skills, and countless opportunities that I would not have had anywhere else. I am forever grateful for the American Pageants system and the world of pageantry!
How many titles have you won?
I have been crowned American Pageants’ Miss Teen of Pennsylvania 2017 and American Pageants’ Miss Teen of America 2018.
Tell us about the American Pageants system.
The mission of the American Pageants Organization is to encourage and motivate young women to reach their full potential through recognition of scholastic record, service and achievement to school and community, personal development, general awareness, personality projection, and communication skills. The American Pageants Organization is proud of their alliance with Special Olympics Minnesota. Focusing on ensuring that social inclusion is the norm, titleholders and candidates will join forces to
promote Special Olympics programs including Project Unify, Spread the Word to End the R-Word, R-Word Day, and Young Athletes. I have been involved with the American Pageants system since 2014, and I am honored to be a part of a system that inspires young women to reach their full potential rather than focusing only on outer-beauty. Whether I came home with a title or not, I left every pageant with a newfound sense of confidence and desire to make an impact in my community. Systems like American Pageants empower young women, and I encourage every girl I meet to become involved with this system!
How do you prepare for competition?
In order to prepare for an American Pageants competition, I make sure I am aware of current events by watching the news to prepare for the General Awareness Exam. I rehearse my personal introductions, participate in mock interviews, and practice answering impromptu questions. When it comes to the personality and poise in the evening wear category, I make sure that I choose a gown and heels that I feel comfortable and confident in on stage. Regardless as to what system one competes in, I wholeheartedly believe that staying true to oneself is the most important aspect of competition.
What are your future plans for your pageant career?
After I crown my successor, Miss Teen of America 2019, at the next national pageant, I plan on retiring from my pageant career. I have undoubtedly enjoyed my time in the American Pageants system, but I feel as if I am ready to move on to the next chapter in my life. I know that the skills, memories, and friendships I established through American Pageants will remain with me forever. When I retire my crown and sash, I will still be a part of the American Pageants family.
What words of advice do you live by?
I have always found Kathrine Switzer’s statement, “Life is for participating- not spectating,” and Arthur Ashe’s quote, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” to be words of wisdom I strive to live by each and every day.
Please provide your contact information so that others can reach out to you.
Email: ajcastle12@yahoo.com
Instagram:@missteenofamerica, @missteenofpennsylvania, & @americanpageantsinc
Facebook:Miss Teen of America & American Pageants
Website:www.americanpageants.org
If you are a queen and want to be featured in the Royal Spotlight series, please email krystle@krystlebell.com.
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