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Two Top 5 Finishes for Kentucky! 

Wesley and Hayley Awarded Spots in National Queens Court

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The next spot belongs to "Kentucky!"

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The next spot belongs to "Kentucky!"

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No, that isn't a typo!  On January 16th the audience heard this phrase almost back to back as the top five finalist for the titles of Miss Teen America and Miss Junior Teen America were announced.  Miss Kentucky Teen America, Wesley Ware, and Miss Kentucky Junior Teen America, Hayley Leach were separated as the best of the best as they took their place in line as a finalist on stage at the 2011 National Miss Teen and Junior Teen America Finals held at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Downtown Nashville, TN.

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After four days of long rehearsals, appearances, competition, and good times, the girls would now start fresh... re-competing in Fitness Wear, Fashion Wear, Eveningwear, and would have an on stage interview.  Meeting each phase of competition with charisma and charm, it was easy to see how both of these delegates earned a place in the judges hearts and the top five finalist! Each of them illuminated the stage with their beauty, style, and sincerity.  

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We are honored to have such amazing young women representing our organization and our state as a whole.  Special congratulations to Wesley Ware, Miss Kentucky Teen America and 3rd Runner Up to Miss Teen America 2011 and congratulations to Hayley Leach, Miss Kentucky Junior Teen America and 1st Runner Up to Miss Junior Teen America 2011.  You both are truly deserving of this honor.   

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Wesley Ware is the New Face of Sam Meyers!

Miss Kentucky Teen America 2010 is the new 'It Girl' for leading formal wear retailer Sam Meyers.

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You never know what opportunities will present themselves to you in life, especially when you are Miss Kentucky Teen America!  Wesley Ware frequently shopped Sam Meyers in her hometown of Louisville, KY, admiring and trying on their stunning eveningwear collection. But a few weeks ago, she transitioned from devoted window shopper to the new Sam Meyers "It Girl!" 

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Wesley's beauty, personality and charisma made her the perfect canidate for the role, which would inlcude runway and print modeling as well as serving as a spokesperson for the brand.  She has already been featured in print ads in Louisville area publications and is the new 'face' for the store on the company's website and facebook pages. You will also see Wesley wearing pieces of their collection at upcoming appearances and in competition.  

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A Fresh Face and New Ideas for MTA

This time it's not a new Queen, but a new Director making headlines for the Miss Teen America Scholarship Program

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The Miss Teen America Scholarship Program is now under new leadership.  Serving as Executive Director and Producer for the program is Nikki Clark.  Nikki has extensive experience in directing on the state, national and international level.  She has been involved with the Miss Teen America Program for nearly ten years and is a former Executive Director of the Miss Georgia Teen America Program. 

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Upon assuming this position, Ms. Clark immediately began working to revamp the Teen America Program and the 2011 National pageant.  Some of the changes delegates can look forward to include a move back to the city it experienced it's best years at, with the pageant scheduled for January 13-16, 2011 in Nashville, TN!

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Other changes include new age divisions.  14 year olds will now have the freedom to choose if they best fit in the Junior Teen or Teen category, which should open doors for many girls that feel they are in the "in between" phase.  A 14 year old contestant can now consider her development, physical maturity, and experience to determine the best fit for her.  In addition, the teen division will be extended up to age 19 and being a college student will no longer exempt you from competing. 

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Other changes are underway, including new categories of competition, new sponsors, and fantastic professional production in a state of the art theater.  In addition, a new website has been launched at www.missteenamerica.com. 

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The Kentucky Teen America team is very excited about these changes and the opportunities they will bring to contestants. 

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Spotlight on Hayley Leach

A look at what our Junior Teen Queen has been up to!

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Hayley Leach has been a busy young lady since winning the title “Miss Kentucky Junior Teen America” in January.  Her year thus far has been filled with appearances and volunteer service to some of her favorite charities and organizations.

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Hayley kicked off her reign as a special guest at the 2010 Miss Kentucky County Fair Pageant.  She was recognized at intermission by her name and title being announced in front of the hundreds of guests in attendance.  This was quite an honor to be recognized in front of so many Kentucky pageant fans! 

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In April Hayley was a guest at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, OH.  The Cincinnati Reds donated a portion of the proceeds from tickets to the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati.  Autism Awareness is Hayley’s platform as her brother was diagnosed with autism.  The cause is very close to her heart.  Hayley was recognized during the game and it was announced that she was there to promote Autism Awareness.  It was a great day!

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Recently, Hayley raised money for the Aubrey Rose Foundation.  She was a model at their American Girl Fashion Show.  This foundation helps families with financial need because of their children's medical expenses and promotes educational awareness about the need for organ donations.  At the event she was honored to meet Jerry and Nancy Hollenkamp, who created the foundation in memory of their daughter.

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In May, Hayley spent time doing what many Kentuckian’s did, only she did it like Royalty… She celebrated the Kentucky Derby!  Hayley was a guest at the Kentucky Derby Media Party where she met and was photographed with Mallory Ervin, Miss Kentucky; Mr. Carstanjen, President of Churchill Downs; and Bob Baffert, World Famous Horse Trainer. 

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Welcome to Russell County!

Mackenzie Bennett, Kentucky's Little Miss Princess, recently had road signs raised in her honor in her home county!