Category: Teen Pageants

What is your biggest goal in life and how are you working towards it?
To continue using my platform “Be Memorable, Mentor” to impact the youth I work with by promoting volunteering, confidence building and leadership. My goal is to continue this effort at UNL in the fall. While majoring in business I plan to compete with over 150 cheerleaders for a spot on the Husker Spirit Squad. As captain of the Lincoln East Cheer team and my competitive cheer team “Lady X”, I want to take my mentoring, leadership and communication skills to the UNL campus.

What is the biggest change you want to see in the world for women?
I want to see a change in women’s confidence, learning to be authentic and not worrying about comparing ourselves to one another but rather building one another up. We are all created unique and special and I want women to know that we rock the skin we’re in. We each have a formula for confidence that works for us and inspires us. We need to trust in our own brilliance, listen to our gut and know that we each have a special message to share with the world.

What personal achievement are you proud of the most?
Being selected out of 200 individuals as the captain of four major cheerleading squads and leading them to the state championship, while maintaining academic excellence, serving as a student ambassador, National Honor Society member, a four year honor roll student and an AP student holding a 4.0 GPA.

What makes you feel “Confidently Beautiful”?
When I am on the runway I feel confidently beautiful. Working as a Jovani “IT Girl” finalist in Atlanta and New York City has fueled my confidence. My spectrum of feeling confidently beautiful also spreads to mentoring and lending my talents to young girls striving to obtain their dreams and goals. Together these experiences help me to be confidently beautiful in all aspects of my everyday life.

List a few of your favorite hobbies:
Modeling, Mentoring, Cheerleading, Volunteering, and collecting Snow Globes.

Favorite Book: “Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo
Favorite Movie: “Mamma Mia” directed by Phyllida Lloyd
Favorite TV Show: America’s Next Top Model
Favorite Social Media App: Instagram
Three Words that Best Describe You: Disciplined, Multifaceted, Reliable

(Photo and bio by Vanbros and Associates)

On September 2, 2019, Victoria Blair Rhemrev entered the Miss Illinois Teen USA sisterhood and proudly became a Vanbros girl. For Victoria, her new role meant new ways to crush stereotypes. Long before competing in pageants, athletics set the stage for Victoria’s love of performing at a high level. As an accomplished three-sport student-athlete, she’s no stranger to challenging both her mental and physical strength. As a result, Victoria has gained recognition as a medalist, a two-time state qualifier in track, and a two-time national qualifier in softball and volleyball.

Born in Connecticut, Victoria and her family relocated to the Midwest in 2004. As the granddaughter of Indonesian immigrants and the daughter of a born and raised Hoosier, Victoria’s upbringing taught her to find beauty within our differences. She is inspired by the ethnic diversity within the state of Illinois and is eager to spend as much time as possible supporting its communities.

Victoria takes pride in being a well-rounded community leader. She enjoys spending time supporting local charities as well as contributing through her own initiatives. Last year, she founded Sheets From A Princess, which provides Princess Ambassador visits and gifts to hospitalized children.

In the future, Victoria plans to attend Duke University’s Marine Biology program. Until then, she travels the state speaking to students on behalf of Connected by Oceans. Victoria enjoys sharing the importance of protecting our oceans from micro-plastic pollution. She is also involved in her school’s Student Council and The Green Club as a means of continued advocacy.

Victoria plans to use her year as Miss Illinois Teen USA to continue breaking the mold. As a titleholder, she wants to be remembered as the multi-ethnic three-sport athlete, the princess at the hospital, and the proud protector of the ocean. Above all, Victoria is on a mission to make a difference and she invites you to join her on her road to Miss Teen USA. You can follow Victoria’s journey on Instagram @MissILTeenUSA.

(Photo and bio by Vanbros and Associates)

Cyara Heredia was crowned Miss Teen Kansas 2020 in Lawrence recently.

The sophomore will now advance to the Miss Teen USA 2020 competition in the spring.

A pageant veteran — she has won titles in the Miss Kansas Jr. High and Collegiate America Pageant — Heredia received a $2,500 cash award and other many prizes as reigning Miss Teen Kansas.

How did you prepare for Miss Kansas Teen USA?
I worked extremely hard by going on strict diets and training at the gym. I also worked on being more calm during my interviews. All the hard work paid off because now I am the new Miss Kansas Teen USA.

 

Photo courtesy of VanBros and Associates, excerpt courtesy of the Crusader News, click here for the full article.

Danika is an 18 year old college freshman who has held a 4.0 GPA her entire academic career. Academics are important to Danika which is why she is frequently on the honor roll list and has even won the Voice of Democracy award.

She is studying business and marketing to become the Chief Executive of her clothing line that is all made in the USA. Danika wants to help women feel beautiful in what they are wearing because fashion is an artistry and she believes it is a creative outlet of expression.

After Danika was cyber bullied she has since created a movement near to her heart called #MeaningfulMedia. Danika knows her generation is a big contributor to social media which is why she wants to educate her peers on how to utilize social media for one’s greater good while also making a positive impact on others lives. Being six feet tall Danika was often picked on for her physical attributes. During her reign she wants to stress the importance that beauty is truly found from within.

Danika also loves spending time with her family, cuddling with her 80 lb weimaraner, and making baked goods to satisfy her sweet tooth.

Becoming Miss Oklahoma Teen USA is a goal Danika has been pursuing for four years and she is filled with joy to finally represent Oklahoma and inspire people all over the great Sooner State. Danika is more than ready to educate others on how to achieve #MeaningfulMedia and encourage others to live “Confidently Beautiful.”

(Photo and bio by Vanbros and Associates)

 

Anna Claire Hay is a Junior at Shiloh Christian High School where she is jumpstarting her collegiate career with concurrent college courses. She is on track to graduate with enough college hours to qualify as a Sophomore. Anna Claire is a member of Shiloh’s competitive and sideline cheer, track, and trap teams. She is an active member of Chick-Fil-A’s Leadership Academy and the City of Springdale’s Youth Council Board. After high school, she plans to attend the University of Arkansas to study pre-med and eventually become a physician.

Anna Claire has taken on a personal mission of leadership and volunteerism through a non-profit she founded, Teens with Integrity. She has dedicated thousands of hours to personally volunteering in her community as well as connecting others to volunteer opportunities. It is her belief that empowering teens and young adults to become effective leaders and active community members can cause a ripple effect of positivity. She took her initiative to the Nation’s capital, meeting with Arkansas Senator’s John Boozman and Tom Cotton to gain support and spread awareness. Anna Claire’s favorite place to volunteer is with the senior citizen’s in her community.

Anna Claire was a recipient of one of the Nation’s top honors for her volunteerism by being named Arkansas’s Top Youth Volunteer of Year in 2019 by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. She represented Arkansas in Washington D.C. at the national conference among other teens from all 50 states as well as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India and Brazil. In addition, she has been named a three-time gold medalist by President Trump for her volunteerism and work with the youth in her community.

Anna Claire has self-authored a children’s book that is currently being published and will be distributed to elementary schools across the state of Arkansas. The book is based on a true story inspired by her brother that addresses bullying and promotes inclusion.

Anna Claire describes herself as kind, consistent, committed, and compassionate to others. She lives by a motto of God first, other’s second and herself third. Anna Claire loves deeply and enjoys time with friends and family, especially lazy Saturday’s with her best friend and sidekick: her Goldendoodle service dog named Snickers. She loves hunting with her dad, running, skiing, knee boarding, and many other outdoor activities.

Anna Claire is an avid traveler and lover of the arts. Her favorite trips include New York City, where she loves going to Broadway shows such as Cats and The Lion King. Orlando is another favorite, she loves the adrenaline of roller coasters and the taste of Butterbeer at Harry Potter World.

She values her family as her biggest support system and is thankful for their unwavering support in all her endeavors. She’s learned in recent years that family isn’t just someone who shares the same last name as you, but is someone in your life that cares about your well-being and happiness more than anything. Anna Claire definitely keeps her family on their toes with her crazy schedule, plethora of activities, undying energy, and funny personality.

Anna Claire emphasizes the importance of living life with a positive attitude, displaying exemplary character, showing the importance of loving those around you, and being comfortable and confident with who you are. During her reign, she hopes to share that bliss every opportunity she gets, and encourage others around her to live boldly, warmly, and bravely. Anna Claire plans to continue to volunteer and expand her political involvement to a national level.

Anna Claire is honored to represent her home state of Arkansas and feels so blessed to work with Vanbros this year. She is confident in her ability to serve the state and will do everything in her ability to make Arkansas proud.

(Photo and bio by Vanbros and Associates)

On December 1, 2019, Holly McDowell joined the Miss Missouri Teen USA sisterhood and proudly became a Vanbros girl. Holly is a fresh face in the world of pageantry, and she is honored to join this amazing group. Determined to keep up with her two athletic older brothers, Holly loved competing at an early age. Sports have always been a part of her family life, and they set the stage for Holly’s love of competition. Her favorite sports are snow skiing, swimming, volleyball, and softball. She also loves modeling.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Holly now resides in Lee’s Summit, MO, with her parents Timothy and Marcy McDowell, and her brothers Jacob (22) and Paul (19). Holly’s brothers are her number one fans.

Holly loves to travel, allowing Holly to pursue her favorite pastime - scuba diving. She is advanced certified, and she plans to become a divemaster when she turns eighteen. Holly has logged many dives in the Caribbean and the Hawaiian Islands. Her most memorable dive was at night with giant reef manta rays, an experience that was truly incredible. In her future, Holly hopes to use this special talent and hobby to advocate for keeping our oceans clean.

Holly is no stranger to hard work. During the spring, summer and fall she works alongside her brother Paul running their lawn mowing business. In her hometown community of Lee’s Summit, she and her brother service over thirty yards per week. With a passion to work hard and help others, Holly is excited to spend as much time as possible using her title to support communities such as hers in the beautiful state of Missouri. She especially plans to visit local animal shelters, charities, and children’s hospitals.

In July 2019, Holly had the opportunity to go and serve on a mission’s trip with the student ministry team at her church. In Harmons, Jamaica the focus of the week was to build a house for a single mother and her family. The work was very physical and strenuous in extremely hot and humid conditions. Holly was eager to learn and willing to get physical, sweaty and dirty to get the job done! Along with the building project, the team was also able to visit a Salvation Army children’s home where Holly was able to visit with kids of all ages, visit an Infirmary with elderly and severely handicapped adults just wanting companionship, a hand to hold, and scripture read to them! Where most teens and even adults would have been very apprehensive, Holly stepped right in, without hesitation to visit with and to “love on” residents.

After recently losing three of her grandparents, Holly is passionate about advocating for cures for Alzheimer’s and women’s heart disease. Suicide prevention is also near to Holly’s heart. Losing an aunt and an uncle (that Holly never got to meet) to suicide, she wants to spread the word about mental health issues and let others know that getting help for depression and anxiety is important.

After high school, Holly plans to attend college to pursue a hospitality management degree and become a wedding planner. Since attending and participating in many weddings, she knows how important a couple’s dream day is to them. By sharing her skills in organization, management, and genuine love for others, she hopes to help many more couples achieve the beauty and memory of this important day.

Most of all, Holly wants to make a difference in the lives of others! She wants to put God first in all that she does and give Him all the glory. Her life verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse is the inspiration for Holly’s pursuit of Miss Teen USA, and she invites you to join her on this road. You can follow Holly’s journey on Instagram @missmoteenusa and on Facebook at Miss Missouri Teen USA.

(Photo and bio by Vanbros and Associates)