Night one of Miss Teen Volunteer America begins in the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn.– Teen girls from every state are in Jackson, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, to see who will be the next Miss Teen Volunteer America.

51 teens from across America started their day by receiving their sashes and partaking in the interview process with judges.

“Every pageant is different. You always have different girls different talents so I’m really excited. I was at talent rehearsals today, so there’s really great outstanding young talented women here and it’s going to be a very exciting night,” Emily Anne Sparks, Executive Director for the Miss Tennessee Volunteer pageant, says.

Half of the contestant will do their talent and the other half will do their evening gown.

During this process they have received some help from some Miss title holders…

“I think something that’s really cool is that we have the “Miss” and the “Teen” so we’re all mentors to these young women, we’re cheering every single one of them on along the way too,” Maddie Louder, Miss Washington, says.

With these Miss title holders coming into town and helping, some of them have even felt inspired.

“Seeing their passion on the stage, seeing how much they put in the work, and then also the fact they are encouraging each other all along the way. So seeing that sisterhood seeing the bond is something that makes you want to continue in pageantry and want you to continue your goals,” Carsyn Hughes, Miss Texas Volunteer, adds.

The young ladies say this opportunity has opened doors that were unimaginable and is something they hope other young girls and contestants can appreciate.

“An unparalleled experience that I never had the opportunity to be part of. This is also my first pageant so this is a whole new world but its been such a blast so far,” Makenna Kinsler, Miss Hawaii says.

Tomorrow evening’s preliminaries begin at 7 o’clock at the Carl Perkins civic center and tickets can be bought at the box office.