Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Reaches $1,000,000 Milestone
TAMPA, Florida, Nov. 21, 2016 — The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization (MAOTeen) announced today that is has reached a significant milestone. Since its inception in 2005, MAOTeen has now paid over $1,000,000 in cash scholarships to over 200 colleges and universities on behalf of our participants.
MAOTeen Board Chair Donna Bozarth said it was humbling to hit the $1,000,000 mark. “We look at today as just our first down payment on giving future generations the ability to access higher education,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”
Michaela McLean, Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen 2014, is on her way to obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. An Honor Roll student, Michaela found the process of affording a college education difficult. “I am so happy that I am attending the University of Alabama! I am so thankful to MAOTeen and the scholarships they provide that helped me attend college.”
Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2011, Lacey Russ, graduated from Oral Roberts University and is now working full time as a Campus Visits Coordinator at ORU. “My three and a half years at ORU were more shaping, challenging, rewarding and joyful than I could ever express. I could never say thank you enough to the MAOTeen Organization for making it possible for me to graduate debt free.
“Scholarships are not just an abstract concept. They help students reach their dreams,” said Kim Parrish, President of MAOTeen. “And, as you know about the talented and articulate young women that participate in our program, they have big dreams. They want to change the world and make a difference.”
SOURCE: MAOT email