YORK, Pa. — In just a few days, the Keystone State will anoint a new Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Pennsylvania's Teen.
Before they pass on their crowns, however, 2023's winners are reflecting on their time in the spotlight and what it meant to serve the Commonwealth for the past year.
Miranda Moore, Miss Pennsylvania 2023, and Lizzie Shacklett, Miss Pennsylvania's Teen 2023, talked about what it meant to serve the Commonwealth over the past year. Both women have been busy crisscrossing Pennsylvania, promoting their service initiatives and engaging in community events.
"I traveled to over 30 counties and I got to see most of the state, work on my community service initiative 'Take Action in Fashion' and be a part of all different types of appearances and events," Moore said. "It was the most impactful and transformative experience of my life, and it allowed me to graduate school debt-free."
Their time in the spotlight helps them prepare the next women who will step into Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Pennsylvania's Teen's shoes.
"I like to share with them that when you go in to interview as yourself, whether you win or you lose, you know you are exactly who you are, and I think that's the most important thing you can take away from the week, is that no matter the outcome, if you go in, you do your best and you're genuine, that's all you can ask for from someone," Moore said.
"And I would also say enjoy every moment, because it is such an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many empowering young women, so bask in every moment," Shacklett offered.
Once the new winners are crowned, 2023's winners will be released from their duties. They're looking forward to the future, with Moore once again picking up her environmental engineering degree to return to working in the sustainability sector and Shacklett starting a new communications internship under Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery County).
"I actually made this connection from being part of the Miss America opportunity because I met Senator Cappelletti at one of my appearances, and now I am interning under her, which is so incredible," Shacklett said. "It's so cool to see all of the connections that you can make from being a part of this organization."
Donors and sponsors have given $70,000 to be awarded through a number of different scholarships during the competitions.
Those interested in showing their support for any members of Miss Pennsylvania's Teen class of 2024 can view their bios and vote here. The next winner will be crowned on June 14.
Those interested in showing their support for any members of the Miss Pennsylvania class of 2024 can view their bios and vote here. Miss Pennsylvania will be crowned on June 15.
The next Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen will be crowned after Scholarship Competitions on June 13, 14 and 15 at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, located at 50 N. George St. in York. Tickets can be bought online. The festivities can be attended either in person or virtually.
The winners of the Miss Pennsylvania Competition and Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen Competition will go on to represent the Keystone State at the 103rd Miss America Competition and the 19th Miss America’s Teen Competition in January in Orlando.