Isabella Williams Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Isabella Williams is passionate about empowering young girls, loves to travel, and is the current Miss Lake Champlain. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Isabella Williams visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Vermont crown as Miss Lake Champlain?

I've been waiting for years to step onto this stage and compete for the title of Miss Vermont. This is my last opportunity before I age out, and I truly believe every challenge, lesson, and moment of preparation has led me to this moment. I’m ready to bring my full self to the job and to the Miss America Organization.

You previously served as Miss Vermont Earth. What did you learn from that experience that will help you when you compete for Miss Vermont?

Serving as Miss Vermont Earth taught me so much about my own strength and resilience. It empowered me to unapologetically pursue my dreams and gave me the confidence to speak passionately about my platform and advocacy work. Those experiences have helped shape me into a confident, purpose-driven woman who’s ready to take on this new title. 

You recently had the opportunity to tour schools in South Africa. What do you remember from that experience?

The school visits in South Africa were unforgettable, especially the teenage girls who welcomed me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. At each school, their giggles filled the air as I stood before them. When I confidently asked, “Are we ready to begin?” something amazing happened—those giggles turned into cheers. It was a powerful moment to see their respect and encouragement for a woman stepping into a leadership role, something they were not accustomed to seeing. It reminded me of the strength and unity women can inspire, even across cultural divides.

How did you select your community service initiative “Strong Girls Will Change The World”?

Choosing Strong Girls was a no brainer for me. I have been working on this concept, brand, and nonprofit for a couple years now! It started with my first book, Strong Girls, a youth empowerment book filling the space in the education system that should be used to empower young learners. Strong girls is dedicated to empowering the next generation of women to chose themselves, their education, and their individuality. My goal is by empowering a group of students that don’t feel academically secure to keep pushing and trying! 

What can you tell me about your new book, Garden ABCs?

Garden ABCs is designed to make learning fun while teachingchildren where their food comes from and how it grows. In a world where instant food is the norm, I wanted to inspire curiosity about nature and cultivate a deeper connection to the food we eat.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My fitness routine is all about balance—it supports both my mental health and managing my autoimmune condition. Most days, I go for a run with Taylor Swift or Sabrina Carpenter as my soundtrack. To keep things exciting, I also ride horses and join fun dance or workout classes with friends. Staying active is my way of taking care of my body and mind. Eating healthy is just as important to my workout routine! I even have a big garden where I harvest all my ingredients for year round sauces and pickles. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would choose Belle! Not only because our names are so similar, but also because I admire her values. She embodies intelligence, kindness, and the belief that inner beauty and character matter more than appearances. Plus, I’d love to spend a week surrounded by enchanted objects and an incredible library!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Rockies, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my sisters. As we get older, it’s harder to find time to be together, so I treasure every chance we get to strengthen our bond. Moments like that remind me how lucky I am to have them in my life.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’m a sucker for a corn dog. I’m not sure if stadiums usually have them but I would skip the entire game looking for one! 

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Hopefully she can quickly find one between innings!

As always, I want to thank Isabella for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with her during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal Instagram. They're both great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Isabella, and good luck at the Miss Vermont competition! Would love to have another visitor wear that crown!

Shannon Kelly Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Shannon Kelly is passionate about self-care, a talented singer, and the current Miss Champlain Valley. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Shannon Kelly visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Vermont crown as Miss Champlain Valley?

I began getting involved with the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization in 2020 because I was looking for a performing arts opportunity in the midst of lockdown. 4 years later, I’ve acquired key skills, made lifelong friendships, and learned to value myself in ways that make me so excited to come back and rock the Miss Vermont 2024 stage!

What is something Yamuna Turco is doing as Miss Vermont that you would want to emulate?

Yamuna has served wonderfully as Miss Vermont, and will leave a lasting impression on the legacy of the organization. One of the things I admire most about her reign and hope to emulate with mine is her sense of joy. Yamuna is able to brighten up any room she walks into, and can make anyone feel comfortable and important when they talk to her. 

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I get great satisfaction when I can make people smile! In my everyday life, I’m always cracking jokes, and i’m a fierce optimist. If I can brighten someone’s day with a compliment or a story, there is no greater prize. 

How did you select your community service initiative Self C.A.R.E.?

My Community Service Initiative, Self CARE: Creating Accessible Resources for Everyone, was formed after I realized how deeply basic self care was impacting my mental health. As someone diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, finding the motivation to perform simple self care tasks can be challenging for me. Through competing, I began to rediscover the drive to take care of myself, in order to make myself feel and look good. I realized that in order to make self care a bigger part of peoples lives, someone needed to talk about it and find ways to make it more accessible for lower income folks.

As a talented singer, what is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

As a theater major, I love being given opportunities to perform. My favorite part of performing my Miss Vermont 2024 talent is telling a story of determination and hope. The character in my song has struggled, but she’s sure that through perseverance, she can achieve her goals.

You are currently a theatre major at Borough of Manhattan CC. Where do you see your studies taking you?

After I graduate college, I’d love to become a professional actor or director. Theater is what I’m more familiar with, but I’d love the opportunity to try working in film as well!

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be any Disney character for a week, I’d be Tinker Bell! I’ve seen every Tinker Bell movie, and she was always my favorite character growing up. I love her friends, fashion, and being able to fly doesn’t hurt either! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, who would you take with you? Why?

If I could see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, I would take my little brother with me! I love spending time with him, and we would have an awesome time together. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

In the past Miss Vermont and Miss Vermont’s Teen have been able to throw the first pitch for Vermont’s baseball team, the Vermont Lake Monsters! If crowned that’s an event I’d be stoked to participate in! 

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A first pitch is always a fun time. Hope she can make that happen!

As always, I want to thank Shannon for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with her during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account, as well as her personal website. They're both great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Shannon, and good luck in the future!

Emma Anderson Visits Section 36!

Photo: Jonathan Adams

Section 36 had another visitor! Emma Anderson is passionate about access to menstrual products, a dancer, and the current Miss Champlain Valley. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Emma Anderson visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Vermont crown?

I decided to start competing for Miss Vermont, A lot earlier than I had originally planned I might add, because I genuinely missed pushing myself in the way that competing forces you too. As a Sophomore in College, it was definitely very daunting to try and set aside so much time to prepare for competition but it was so worth it. I ended up being able to involve my studies and some of my professors in my preparations which helped a lot! 

What has been the biggest surprise about your first “Miss” title, Miss Champlain Valley?

I think the biggest surprise that came with being Miss Champlain Valley was how different being a “Miss” is from a “Teen”. Once upon a time I held the title of Miss Champlain Valley’s Outstanding Teen and eventually Miss Vermont’s Outstanding Teen. As a teen in this organization so much emphasis is put on leaning on your “older sisters” (ie the Misses) to help push you. I loved being able to be that older sister for our teens this year and create some amazing relationships with some really impressive young women! 

You were Miss Vermont’s Outstanding Teen in 2021. What is your favorite memory from that experience?

I think my favorite memory from my year as Miss Vermont’s Outstanding Teen would have to be attending both my own national competition and the 100th year of Miss America!! One of my all time favorite pictures from my year was taken immediately after MAOTeen finals when my Miss Vermont, Danielle Morse found me on the edge of the stage and we just had an amazing little moment. At Miss America, although we only had one night of visitation, it was amazing to have a similar experience but celebrating her instead! 

How did you select your community service initiative, “Not A Luxury”?

I picked my CSI “Not A Luxury: Increasing Access To Menstrual Products” during the COVID Pandemic. The pandemic made it really obvious to me that there were many essential items that were being overlooked by food stamps programs and food pantries around not only my state but the county. Prior to competing for the first time I donated 5,500 menstrual products to a local shelter called Spectrum. Honestly, the rest is history!

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

My favorite part of performing my talent is always the little sections that honestly have nothing to do with actually dancing but more connecting with the audience and the judges. This past competition, I loved building in little moments for connection throughout my choreography, it really helps me feel more at ease while performing but I know that it also helps keep the energy up throughout my entire piece as well! 

You are currently studying History and Equity Studies at Saint Michael’s College. What drew you to that field?

I was drawn to my majors of History and Equity Studies for two reasons. History is just something I have always loved learning about, and I knew that I wanted to expand my understanding of how history continues to impact us everyday. Equity Studies I actually just added at the end of last year because I really wanted to focus on in this overlooked area of study. To put it simply, we study how and why inequality exists in the world. Inequality is something that I’ve come face to face with more since creating my CSI so I wanted to expand my understanding to better serve in my state in this way.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I love this question! I would probably be Belle because she was always looking to keep learning. She always wants to understand how and why things happen. On top of that, she is such an accepting character and works for everyone she interacts with to feel like they have a place and like they matter which is something I try and do in my everyday life!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway I would probably take my little brother. He is turning 7 in September and has not been super exposed to baseball in his life but is a huge sports fanatic and will cheer with so much enthusiasm for any team he can! 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

In general, I’ve never been to a professional game! I have always wanted to go to a Red Sox game because I have a ton of friends and family who have gone and they had the best time! I would just love to experience that for myself! More specifically though, I would love to somehow catch a ball that went into the stands because that would just be a really cool story to tell! 

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That would definitely be cool. I've never done that either.

As always, I want to thank Emma for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Emma during the rest of her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Emma, and good luck in the future!

Yamuna Turco Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Yamuna Turco is passionate about reading, a talented singer, and the current Miss Vermont. I was glad she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Yamuna Turco visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont crown?

Winning Miss Vermont was an incredible honor and experience. I was incredibly lucky that my friends and family were able to attend. After pictures and meeting everyone who had come to attend the competition, my family and friends took me to dinner! We got sushi, which was much needed.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Vermont?

During my year as Miss Vermont there are several goals I’d like to accomplish, but the most important is the expansion of my Community Service Initiative (CSI). I hope to get as many different books as possible into schools, libraries, community centers, and into the hands of kids all across Vermont. My “big goal” is to go to every library in Vermont!

As the first member of this Miss America class to be crowned, how does it feel to be able to see new sisters being added to the class?

I am so excited to meet my new sisters! Getting to watch my class grow means I can experience their excitement with them and support them as they compete.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “One Book, One Child”?

I chose my CSI “One Book, One Child” because books have always been an integral part of my life. My parents read to my sister and me every night and have always encouraged us to explore the different kinds of books that exist in libraries and in our schools. As a first-generation American, books allowed me to learn about the culture I was growing up in, and the cultures my parents and friends came from as well. Books help get you lost in stories different than your own and broaden your view of the world. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

There is something indescribable about performing on stage for people. The lights, the stage, and the people, they all add to the experience of performing and it brings out something that you can not practice. You can engage with the audience and they motivate you to sing the best you can; you feed off each other’s energy. I love being able to see my friends and family in the audience, they give me a boost and help me power through a song and add the flourishes that really make a performance.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be a Disney character I would probably be Ariel, when she was a mermaid. I love the ocean and the sun, also being friends with a group of singing fish seems pretty cool!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox, I would probably take my friend Meagan. Not only did she take the time to explain baseball to me, but she is also a huge fan of the Red Sox and is from Boston. Attending a game with her would be so much fun!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I really want to pitch at a game. Admittedly I would have to practice a couple of times, but it seems like so much fun and would be such an honor to do. 

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Oh, I'm sure we'd all have to practice a bit if given that opportunity!

As always, I want to thank Yamuna for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Yamuna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Yamuna, and good luck!  

Emily Benz Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Emily Benz is passionate about reading, a nursing student, and the current Miss Maple Leaf. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Emily Benz visits Section 36!

What made you decide to try for the Miss Maple Leaf crown?

Last year I represented my home county under the title of Miss Chittenden County, but I knew that this year I wanted a title that represented my love for all parts of Vermont. They say home is where the heart is and I almost feel as if there are pieces in my heart scattered all across Vermont; I am so lucky to be able to say that this whole state is my home. The Sugar Maple tree is our state tree and plays a big part in our economy. Vermont is the largest producer and supplier of maple syrup in the nation and the changing colors of the trees during foliage season is a huge leaf-peeping attraction; it felt fitting to represent my love for this state under the title of Miss Maple Leaf. 

What has been the biggest surprise about your time as Miss Maple Leaf?

Last year I gained so many new and lifelong friends competing for the title of Miss Vermont; I was overjoyed to hear that many of those friends were returning this year to compete along with a bunch of new delegates! Getting to know everyone competing this year and cheering each other on through our time as local titleholders is hands down one of the best parts of this organization. I have especially enjoyed being able to work with Miss Maple Leaf’s Teen and collaborate with each other on our Community Service Initiatives. The connections made and sisterhood gained through the organization was something that I had always heard about, when I competed for the first time I was shocked at just how real it was. I have two older brothers and always wanted a sister growing up; this organization has given me the support of a whole century’s worth of sisters and for that I will be forever grateful for! 

What part of the upcoming Miss Vermont competition are you most nervous about?

I’m bringing a new talent to the Miss Vermont stage this year! While I am very excited and absolutely love every part of what I am putting together, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit nervous to showcase it in front of the audience. I’ve always been a creative person! I love the challenge of learning a new hobby or starting a new project when it comes to arts and crafts; my talent this year feels like a combined representation of that. It’s been a challenge learning this new skill, but the process has also truly been so much fun. I can’t wait to reflect that excitement, passion, and love into my performance on the Miss Vermont stage in April. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Let’s Read: Empowering Today’s Readers to be Tomorrow’s Leaders”? 

I have always been an avid reader, my love for literature was established early on and has followed me throughout my life. My mom is also a Kindergarten teacher, I spent many days in her classroom growing up watching her foster a love for books in her students. When I got old enough, she would let me read to her class during read-aloud time. In high school, I became a literacy tutor and began helping elementary students build strong literacy skills. This experience made me realize just how many students did not have access to age-appropriate literature outside of school. When students don’t have access to books they are put at a disadvantage in their education and at an increased risk of dropping out of school down the line. I wanted to make sure that these students had every opportunity they could to pursue their dreams; every child deserves to share in the joy of reading and the chance to advance to higher education. So, in 2019 I started Let’s Read as a community-based project. I primarily collected new and used books to be distributed to students all across Vermont and served as a mentor for students in their reading journey; I have since collected and distributed over 1,000 books! Today, I have a Let’s Read website that features posts to get children excited about books, a literacy resources page to connect families to free reading material through the power of the internet, a reading club to encourage students of all ages to read for at least 20 minutes a day, and a goals setting workshop to teach students how to map out their path towards achieving their dreams through setting SMART goals. 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I mentioned earlier that I am bringing a new talent to the stage this year! However, regardless of what I am performing, my favorite part of performing my talent is being able to share something that I am passionate about outside of my Community Service Initiative and my love for the Miss Vermont Scholarship Organization. Every woman who competes is truly so talented and well-rounded in what they do; I always see that reflected in the talent portion! I’m thrilled to be able to share my creative side and love for art through my talent performance this year. 

You are currently studying nursing at Castleton University. What drew you to that field?

I always knew that I wanted to go into the medical profession! Science was my favorite subject in school. I loved how the complexity of all the different science courses I took in school challenged me and how there was always something new to learn. I landed on nursing because of the caring aspect of it; I have always been a very caring and empathetic person, after getting a small taste of nursing through working as a Personal Care Assistant I knew it’s what I was meant to do. I have plans to work as a mother-baby nurse after I graduate in May. I’ll be working with a variety of antepartum, postpartum, and newborn patients! After a few years of nursing experience, I hope to return to school to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and work in the NICU. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

That’s a tough question; I love so many Disney characters! However, I would probably have to choose Ariel. She was my favorite Disney princess growing up and I think it would be so cool to explore the ocean from her point of view. Also, who wouldn't want to be a mermaid or live at an oceanside castle for a week?

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park, who would you take with you? Why?

I would probably have to choose my dad. We always went to Vermont Lake Monsters games together when I was little. I would love to be able to go to Fenway with him and see the Red Sox play, especially if it was against the Yankees as he is a New Yorker!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest baseball fan. I am however a HUGE hockey fan! This past Winter Classic was held at Fenway and I would have loved to be able to attend; maybe I’ll be able to see it the next time Fenway hosts. Although, if I had to choose a baseball event at Fenway then I would have to say Vermont Day for sure! 

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I want to go to the Winter Classic at Fenway too! 

As always, I want to thank Emily for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Vermont! It would be fantastic to have yet another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Emily during her journey as Miss Maple Leaf. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. You should also check out the Let's Read website to see how you can help Emily empower readers.

Thanks again Emily, and good luck!