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Arts & Entertainment

Miss Southington 2011 Takes Big Prize in Miss Connecticut Pageant

Morgan Amarone, this year's Miss Southington Winner, will take her talents on to the Miss America competition.

The success that Morgan Amarone had in winning the 2011 Miss Southington competition didn’t stop there. Her dreams came true once again Saturday as she was named Miss Connecticut 2011 and qualified for the Miss America pageant.

Amarone, 23, of Hamden, was selected above several others to win her second major competition of the year.

The victory was part of a statewide pageant held in New London Thursday through Saturday that had young women in the state putting their very best looks, talents and intentions forward as the 2011 Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant celebrated its 83rd year.

The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program is an official preliminary of the Miss America Organization, which is the nation's leading achievement program providing the largest scholarship assistance for young women in the world. Miss America Organization in conjunction with its state and local organizations have awarded more than $45 million in cash and scholarship earnings.

Two categories make up the competition. Twenty-one teens compete for 'Outstanding Teen' title and 19 young women are hoping to win the 'Miss Connecticut' crown. 

The reigning titleholders, Miss Connecticut Brittany Decker of Bristol and Connecticut's Outstanding Teen Logan West of Southington, performed during the opening night ceremony.

For all the contestants the competition is a chance to hone skills that will relate to career objectives. Public speaking, advocating for personal causes or issues that need a voice are opportunities that are developed as a result of going through the process of competition. The beauty aspect of competition is just what you see outwardly. Many of the women feel The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program is educational.

Win or lose, how has the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program affected you?

“I tend to be shy and the pageant has helped me to become more confident," said Alyssa Romano, Southington's Miss Apple Valley's Outstanding Teen.

Romano’s Platform? “Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention because...Being A Child Shouldn't Hurt!”

“I've always been involved with music,” said Miss Apple Valley Ashley Mae Hayden. “It is such an important part of my life. The pageant program is a growth experience that enabled me to focus where my passion can be applied.” 

Hayden’s Platform? “Music: The Ties that Binds Diverse Communities Together.”

“I enjoy the process of living a lifestyle that promotes my issue of concern. Knowing my goals, I feel like a winner and that's a great place to be - win or lose," Miss Connecticut pageant winner and Miss Southington 2011 Morgan Amarone said.

Amarone’s Platform? “The Power of Pink - Cancer Education and Awareness.”

The winners were announced Saturday during Finals. Amarone won Miss Connecticut 2011, the first runner up was Jessica Lesage, and second runner up was Acacia Courtney.

Connecticut's Outstanding Teen: Winner Nicole Nemense (Overall Fitness and Talent Award), first runner up Brianna Smail (Spirit of Miss America's Outstanding Teen Award) and second runner up Annalisa Sega (Overall Interview Award).

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