When the Miss Teen USA pageant kicks off in Los Angeles on Aug. 1 later this year, for the first time, it will have a JAG Indiana family flair to it. Aleah Dean of the Austin High School JAG program was crowned as Miss Teen Indiana on June 8 at Butler University, adding another accolade to a year stacking up to be full of them for the rising AHS senior.
At Miss Indiana Teen USA the phases of competition were a private interview with the judges, gown, and active wear, in which all she won. She also had to answer an on stage question. She prepared by working on her interview and walks with coaches but also by serving her community by going into schools and speaking to over a thousand students about the importance of being themselves and embracing their uniqueness through her Dare To Be You movement. She also was named the Local Teen USA Titleholder of the Year.
Aleah, in part, credits her time in JAG this year with being integral to her growth that helped her become a champion.
“JAG taught me so many skills, however what it taught me the most was with perseverance anything is possible and it improved my public speaking skills tremendously which are both skills it takes to be a great titleholder," said Aleah.
She credits taking up the public speaking competition in JAG with helping her at the Miss Teen Indiana competition. Aleah won the competition at her Southern JAG Regional Career Development Conference, but said not placing at State Finals left her discouraged. Still, ever the hard-worker, Aleah decided to particiate in the national competition and finished in the top 10.
"Not placing (at state finals) made me afraid of going to nationals because I felt that if I didn’t place at state, I definitely wouldn’t place at nationals. My teacher, (JAG Specialist)
Jeff Hester showed me the importance in never giving up which is why I wrote a new speech and worked even harder than before and because of that, I ended up placing top 10 in the nation for Public Speaking!
"This helped me because this was my third time competing for Miss Indiana Teen USA and because of my experience in competing with JAG, I learned that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anything in the world is possible.”
Could the next stop on her 'anything is possible tour, 2024' be Miss Teen USA? For now, she's prepping and heading to California for the prestigious national competition, which will be televised on the CW Network.
As for her future, Aleah is full-steam ahead on her goals going into her final high school year. Aleah said wants to expand her studies in the Performing Arts while working at Girls, Inc., to achieve her dream career as a Broadway Ensemblist and a non-profit leader.
"Aleah is so inspirational and I am certain she will continue to inspire and lift up many," added Hester.
The Miss Teen USA organization is dedicated to empowering young women with the tools for
success, aiming to cultivate future leaders who will positively impact their communities. We
believe true beauty comes from within, and we celebrate each young woman's unique qualities, encouraging them to embrace their individuality.
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