Victoria Mozitis Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Victoria Mozitis is passionate about literacy, a talented performer, and the current Miss New Jersey. 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 Victoria Mozitis visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss New Jersey crown?

The Miss New Jersey Education Foundation hosts the most beautiful Queens Reception every year after the crowning. I got to spend time with my family, mingle with everyone who attended and had a “first dance” with my dad. It was such a special night!

What is something Augostina Mallous did as Miss New Jersey that you would like to emulate?

Augie had this very specific goal throughout her year as Miss New Jersey: to never lose herself. I have that goal as well. Miss New Jersey is someone who all little girls should strive to be. How can they have that dream if she is not relatable and unapologetically herself? I don’t want Miss New Jersey to be some kind of “alter-ego” for me. I have strong opinions, I am musical, I am silly, and sometimes I require moments to check in on my mental health. Miss New Jersey is going to be that way as well. I want to blur the line; Augie did just that throughout her year and it was so admirable. 

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

I am in the middle of writing a children’s book, and my goal is to get it published during my year as Miss New Jersey!

How did you select your Community Service Initiative, “#LEAP”?

My father took me to the library every week. My parents made storytelling an integral part of my life at a very young age, and that is what set me up for success: to become a Musical Theatre major in college, to become a professional actress, and eventually, to become Miss New Jersey. I want to give students the opportunity to dream, and the first step in doing so is to work to improve literacy!

You are a recent graduate of the Musical Theatre Program at Rider University. Where do you see those studies taking you?

It has always been my dream to become an actor on Broadway, and that will always remain true. That dream has broadened as I have also developed a passion for Arts Management, which I minored in in college. My goal is to use my degrees to not only pursue my passion for performing, but also use them to expand my Social Impact Initiative into a non-profit organization, become a professional casting director, and work for The Miss America Organization.

What is your personal fitness routine?

I am a dancer, so a lot of my fitness routine is centered around taking class regularly. I also go to the gym frequently, and I love going on runs (although I’m not very good at it!)

If you could play any role in a Disney Broadway show, which would you choose? Why?

I just played Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and I would play that role again in a heartbeat if given a chance. However, once The Princess Diaries inevitably makes its way to a Broadway stage, I must originate the role of Mia Thermopolis. I’ve found so much comfort in her as a character since becoming Miss New Jersey. I’m still working on navigating life as a twenty-something-year-old girl who was just given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent her state and a National Organization. I’m still naive to the whole thing. Her story tells just that. 

If you had an extra ticket to a Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I have never been to a BlueClaws game, but my brother Tommy has been to many! I would bring him, simply because I enjoy his presence and he enjoys baseball. 

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

I’ve always wanted to be the National Anthem Singer at a Phillies game. Attending Dollar Dog Night would be a close second. 

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I'm pretty excited about that book!

As always, I want to thank Victoria 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 Victoria during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and website. You should also visit her personal Instagram account and website. They're all great ways to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything. 

Thanks again Victoria, and good luck!

Faith Johnson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Faith Johnson is passionate about the theatre, a talented singer, and the current Miss Montana. 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 Faith Johnson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Montana crown?

I celebrated after my crowning with my family. We went out to eat some super greasy and fried food at a local restaurant. The next day, I really jumped right into event planning. I went to Wyoming for the crowning of their new Miss and Teen 4 days after I was crowned and then to Washington for their crowning as well, a week and a half after! It's been busy so far, but so worth it!

What is something Alexa Baisch did as Miss Montana that you would like to emulate?

Alexa (Allie) was a social media QUEEN when it came to promoting Miss Montana on all the social media platforms. I really hope I can be as active and interesting in my posts as she was with hers. Allie was also a hard worker and put so much effort and time into making her appearances the best and fun for everyone who may have been involved. This is something I strive to do as well, make sure everyone I come in contact with walks away with a smile and feel loved!

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

I am so nervous for the onstage interview/question. I have always prided myself with being an eloquent public speaker, but when it comes to being judged on it, I get so nervous and shaky. I will be practicing this a lot before the competition.

How did you select your Community Service Initiative, “Connecting Hearts through the Arts”?

My CSI comes from my years and years in theatre. I started at the age of 4 and throughout my years I have personally seen the incredible growth and transformation that the arts inspire in people when it comes to empathy, understanding, and compassion for others. I wanted to let my community, and anyone I may come in contact with, know about the incredible benefits of theatre while advocating for more funding in schools for the arts, since it is not prioritized as much as other extracurriculars.

What do you enjoy most about performing your talent on stage?

I honestly just love being on stage, so being able to perform my talent (which is always a vocal performance of some kind) for an audience is so rewarding. My mom always says my voice is a gift and sharing it is such a blessing.

What is your personal fitness routine?

My fitness consists of periodic visits to the gym, but I primarily focus on my mental health/fitness by going to therapy and try to prioritize healthy eating as well. I believe that going to the gym is absolutely something that is important for many people, but if we are not focusing on our mental health and eating habits in addition to the gym, the gym is not going to do much for us.

You are currently studying psychology and sociology. Where do you see those fields taking you?

I am so glad I pursued psychology and sociology. I have alwaysbeen fascinated with "why" people do the things they do, and these two disciplines help understand that a little better. I plan on going to law school in order to enter the criminal side of things (in and out of the courtroom). Psychology and Sociology will help immensely when in this field because it will help me understand why criminals may have acted the way they did and possibly offer solutions for them that does not only include the possibility of prison, but hopefully reform and re-entry into society in a positive way that will reduce recidivism.

If you had an extra ticket to a Pioneer League baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would absolutely take my dad. I grew up going to our local baseball teams' games during the summer. I vividly remember scarfing down peanuts with my dad and watching the game. It was always nice spending time with my dad, so I would take him, as we no longer have a hometown baseball team.

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

I would LOVE to sing the national anthem for a baseball game. I have been singing for such a long time and it is an absolute privilege to sing for our country and honor our flag with my voice. I think throwing the opening pitch at a major league game would also be awesome if I was unable to sing the anthem.

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Those sound like great goals!

As always, I want to thank Faith 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 Faith 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 Faith, and good luck!

Lindsay Fincher Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lindsay Fincher is passionate about the Arts, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Alabama. 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 Lindsay Fincher visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Alabama crown?

The night that I won Miss Alabama was a whirlwind! This year was the 100th anniversary of Miss Alabama, so one of the most special parts of my crowning night was getting to celebrate with so many former Miss Alabamas who made the trip to celebrate the 100th anniversary and welcome me into their sisterhood! I was thrilled to finally get to hug my family and friends at the afterparty, and their reactions were priceless! I finished the night with an Alabama staple - a chick-fil-a sandwich! 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Alabama?

The outpouring of love and support I’ve received since winning Miss Alabama has been unbelievable! Miss Alabama is blessed to have incredible Board Members, Volunteers, and Sponsors, but I have been astonished by how many people are so invested in Miss Alabama’s year that have no involvement with the competition! I love getting stopped at the gym or grocery store when people recognize me and ask about what I’ve been doing. The Miss Alabama family truly extends across all corners of our state, and I love meeting new people almost everyday day! 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Alabama competition that will help you at Miss America?

As I prepared to compete at Miss Alabama for a third time, I focused on being fully present and enjoying each moment at Miss Alabama. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive nature of the week, but I felt confident knowing that I had prepared as much as possible and could simply enjoy my favorite parts of Miss Alabama week! Instead of stressing about my performance, I had lots of fun, spent quality time with the other candidates, and soaked up every moment on stage. This mindset made a world of difference for me, and it’s one that I plan on bringing to Miss America. I’ll only have one Miss America experience, and I plan on living it to the fullest! This is a moment I’ve dreamed about for years, so I am working hard to prepare with 110% effort right now so that I can be fully present in the moment at Miss America and enjoy every second of this once in a lifetime opportunity! 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Catalyst: Arts for All”?

The arts have played a key role in my life, but thousands of students across Alabama are missing out on the opportunity to experience the transformative power of arts education. Growing up in a Title I public school in rural Alabama, I witnessed this lack of artistic opportunity firsthand. Catalyst: Arts for All aims to make arts education accessible for students across Alabama (and now America) by creating educational arts curriculum, fundraising for scholarships, advocating for pro-arts policy, and sharing my children’s book, “ABC, The Arts and Me.” The arts have the unique power to spark creativity, foster connections among diverse people, and inspire lifelong learners, and I believe every child should be able to experience an arts education. 

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

The feeling that comes when the stage lights hit me as the curtain rises before a performance is truly unbeatable. I first stepped foot on a stage at 8 months old, and I haven't wanted to leave one since then! I genuinely have so much fun while performing for an audience, and I cannot wait to share my love for dance and the joy it brings me on the Miss America stage very soon. My Miss America talent is FUN, and I am having a blast preparing for my biggest performance yet! 

You recently graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in political science and dance. Where do you see those fields taking you?

I hope to perform professionally as a dancer/vocalist on stages across the nation before fusing my love for the arts and the law by attending law school to pursue a career as an entertainment attorney. 

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

Peter Pan was my favorite Disney movie growing up, so I would definitely be Tinker Bell. I love Tink’s sassy spirit and truly believe that with “faith, trust, and pixie dust” anything can happen! Plus, being able to fly and spending a week in Neverland - Count me in! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Birmingham Barons play the Rocket City Trash Pandas, who would you take with you? Why?

My Grandpa was an avid baseball fan, and most of my memories at my grandparents’ house growing up are accompanied by a Braves game playing in the background. My Grandpa passed away in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I would love to spend one more baseball game with him in my new city - Birmingham, AL. 

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

When I was in the 4th grade I signed up to play softball and managed to only hit one ball the entire season. As Miss Alabama, I would love to throw the first pitch at a game and (hopefully) redeem myself by showing some improved skills!  

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I'd love to throw out a first pitch as well! 

As always, I want to thank Lindsay for visiting with us.

As Lindsay continues her time as Miss Alabama, I encourage you to check out her title's Website, Facebook, and Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lindsay, and good luck!

Ashlyn Hilts Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Ashlyn Hilts is passionate about the arts, a talented flutist, and the current Miss Adirondack. 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 Ashlyn Hilts visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Adirondack crown?

Honestly, I left the competition venue and immediately drove myself to Taco Bell! No celebration in my eyes is truly complete without food! In all seriousness though, going into the competition I knew that if I were to win Miss Adirondack that I would spend as much time as possible in the region. The Adirondacks are such a unique and beautiful part of New York State, and being the representative of this region is something that I am taking very seriously. The morning after I won, I went to Old Forge in the Adirondacks to walk around, take pictures, and reflect on the opportunities that are waiting for me in this beautiful region over the next year. It really gave me the opportunity to finally process the competition and truly understand what I had accomplished, what I can continue to accomplish, and the change that I will be fostering for a new region in New York State.

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Adirondack?

Over the summer, I visited Lake Placid and was able to experience one of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, White Face Mountain. Since then I have been DYING to get back to the Adirondacks and hike, explore, and enjoy the largest part of New York State. Since I go to school in Niagara Falls, I am not always in the Adirondack region. My biggest goal for this year is to visit at least once a month. The Adirondack Park is 6 million acres, that is a LOT of ground to cover. A lot of people who live in the region have no idea that there is a Miss Adirondack, or know very much about the Miss America Organization in general. I want to educate more people and show how significant this organization is, and hopefully recruit some new Miss America fans or candidates!

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Adirondack competition that will help you compete for Miss New York?

My years as a teenager have consisted of holding titles, volunteering, promoting my Social Impact Initiative, and competing. I think that because of that, some people do not realize that regardless of the success that I have experienced, I am still like every other person my age. I doubt myself, I lose confidence, I get frustrated, I freak out, and I get up the next day and do it all over again. From the outside looking in, I seem like I am always put together, have everything under control, and that I manage everything perfectly all of the time. In reality that could not be farther from the truth. The most valuable thing that I learned about myself in this competition is that I am so much stronger than I think I am. Being a Freshman as a first generation college student balancing school, clubs, a sport, and trying to prepare for my first competition as a Miss candidate was a lot to handle for me, and for a moment I really thought that I had taken on too many responsibilities. I went into competition knowing I could do well, but I never imagined that I would have taken on all of the responsibilities that I did, and come out with a new title, and awards for interview, talent, and Miss Congeniality. Preparing for this competition was the first time I really felt like I had taken on too much, but in the end I came out with a huge accomplishment and a new respect for my capabilities and grit. Going into Miss New York week I know that I can handle whatever is thrown at me in preparation and competition. I am much more confident after the experience of winning and I know that regardless of the outcome at states, I will again come out as a stronger and more confident person. 

How did you select your social impact initiative “Promoting the Arts”?

Unfortunately, a few years after I began participating in my band in elementary school, the music program suffered massive budget cuts that had destroyed my new passion for music. My family and I were able to take part in the process of reinstating the arts programs, and through our fundraising efforts, the programs were kept in the school for students to continue to enjoy. That experience resonated with me as I was selecting my Social Impact Initiative, and it is something that is so personal to me, that I am able to work intensely to help other schools and students avoid the devastation of budget cuts. Experiencing the feeling of having something so important to me taken away made the decision to begin working on my Social Impact Initiative, Promoting the Arts, very easy. Three years later, I have accomplished things that I will forever be proud of: funding scholarships, giving performance opportunities to arts students, raising money for a local organization to purchase instruments for children who cannot afford them, and many more things coming up that I am so very excited for. This initiative is truly perfect for me, and I will forever support this cause far after I am no longer a titleholder in the organization. 

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

Finally having the opportunity to show off all of my hard work is without a doubt the BEST part of any performance! Not many people really understand how hard I work to succeed in my performances, but the moment where I am finally able to step onto a stage or into a room with a judge to perform for them is the moment that makes the hours of hard work worth it. Having this talent does not come naturally whatsoever, it takes months of preparation in so many different ways before I am able to step onto a stage, but the second that I step into the opportunity, it is my chance to show everyone my dedication, determination, and persistence through all parts of putting a piece together. 

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

The most rewarding feeling in the world is proving that I am not a person to underestimate. I have always been someone who commits to huge obligations, responsibilities, and takes on challenges that are often shied away from. I am usually met with judgement, questioning, and doubt from others who believe that my goals will be too difficult, that I will be spread too thin, or that it isn’t a good idea to try. I see the doubt as motivation to work hard, prove myself, and show that I will always rise to the occasion. I get great satisfaction when I can prove myself, and show that I have never been, and will never be a person to look down on. I can, and I will move mountains.

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

This may be a little crazy, but HEAR ME OUT, Maximus the horse from Tangled! During my time as a teen titleholder, I was actually smacked by a horse while taking pictures at a parade. (Yes, it is on video, and yes I will gladly show anyone who asks for it). My thought process here is that if I am a horse, maybe the other horses will find it in their hearts to get to know me before choosing violence:) And honestly, Maximus is too cute, despite my very rational fear of horses.

If you had an extra ticket to see the Buffalo Bisons play the Syracuse Mets, who would you take with you? Why?

I would have to choose one of my best friends, Anna Spaulding! We met through this organization when we were crowned with our first Outstanding Teen titles in 2018. Since then, we have held another set of teen titles together, and were crowned Miss Adirondack and Miss Thousand Islands together in the same organization! Unfortunately since college has put us in two separate states, we aren’t together as much as we were before. I would love to take Anna with me to a baseball game, and spend some much needed time together!

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

The very first (and only) time I have been to a baseball game unrelated to my school, it was rained out within the first hour. I honestly don’t have a specific feature or activity I want to participate in. I’d really just like to experience a whole game without being rained on the entire time and forced to leave after an hour!

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Being there for the whole game is definitely a goo place to start!

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

As Ashlyn continues her time as Miss Adirondack, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

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

Thanks again Ashlyn, and good luck!

Carli Batson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Carli Batson is passionate about the arts, a talented dancer, and the current Miss North Carolina. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Carli Batson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss North Carolina crown?

After winning Miss North Carolina, the Miss NC board hosted a lovely reception  and provided accommodations for a great night's sleep at the JH Adams Inn  in High Point, NC. It was such a relaxing way to end the best day of my life before starting my first day on the job! 

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss North Carolina?

My ultimate goal as Miss North Carolina is to inspire and guide young women across our state and country toward the Miss America Organization by showcasing the transformative and relevant nature of the program. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss North Carolina competition that will help you at Miss America?

At Miss North Carolina this year I stood by the motto, “let it be.” I narrowed my focus on having fun and being grateful for the opportunity. At Miss America and during my preparation for the competition, I am continuing to soak in every moment and begin every day with a grateful heart. 

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Carolina Cares”?

My social impact initiative, Carolina Cares, was born from my own personal experience. Community theatre rescued me at a time where performing at a competitive level was no longer a financial possibility for my family. My initiative is devoted to giving back to performance arts communities and enhancing art literacy. 

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

My favorite part about dancing onstage is being able to share a story through movement. I like to think of every opportunity to dance as a gift. 

You are working towards your degree in Communication; Public Relations. Where do you see yourself going in that field?

My dream job would be to work as an Arts Management professional for a performing arts company or non-profit organization. 

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

Rapunzel! As someone with very short hair, having those long locks for a week would be so much fun! Tangled is also one of my favorite movies! 

If you had an extra ticket to a Boone Bigfoots baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would invite my Dad! My dad loves baseball and even coached little league back in the day! My brother and I never really go into it, so I’m sure he would enjoy a game in Boone, NC! The field at Appalachian State is one of the most beautiful college stadiums in North Carolina! 

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

I had the opportunity to throw the first pitch this year at aFayetteville Woodpeckers game! It was so much fun! However, my pitch needed much improvement! I would love to have that opportunity again someday! Also! You can never go wrong with a ballgame hotdog! 

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A hot dog is definitely better at a ballgame! 

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

As Carli continues her time as Miss North Carolina, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss North Carolina website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Carli, and good luck!