PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Alexa Arzillo, Teen Miss Virginia Earth United States 2018

Alexa Arzillo, Teen Miss Virginia Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you:

I am super involved in school between color guard/winter guard and environmental clubs.

Tell us about your platform.

My platform is saving our oceans from waste and pollution.

Living so close to the beach and Chesapeake Bay I have been fortunate to work with such active environmental organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Better Beach Project and Lynnhaven River Now.

I have even been able to create a bunch of my own cleanups. Other than cleanups, I have been visiting Environmental Centers, such as the Brock Environmental Center, where I was able to educate others on the importance of keeping our waterways clean. At their showing of the Straws Documentary, I was able to bond with others who share my passion on stopping the use of plastic straws.

Right now, as humans, we are the number one predators towards our planet, and education whether at Environmental Centers, beach cleanups, school gatherings or just being out in public is the key to keeping our waterways clean and improving our environment.

What are you looking forward to at Teen Miss Earth United States?

Definitely just getting to know everyone at a better level for a whole week, as well as watching my sister queens compete!

What is something you can’t live without and why?

Definitely my friends, family, and mission work. These are people that have had such a great impact on my life. We have been able to support each other and appreciate what we want to accomplish in life.

With mission work, I have been able to see how people that are not in the best living conditions and still live life the best way they can. I have honestly come to see that they enjoy and appreciate so much more than we do.

Social Media

Teen Miss Virginia Earth United States


PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of publishing titleholders exclusive interviews nationally and internationally.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Laura Barlow, Elite Miss Rhode Island Earth United States 2018

Laura Barlow, Elite Miss Rhode Island Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you: 

One fun fact about me is that I am a certified Professional Pet Assisted Therapist. My first beagle Elvis and I volunteered at nursing homes, schools, group homes, hospitals and more.

Tell us about your platform.

My platform is “We Are All Connected.” I want to help people awaken from the illusion of separation and to understand that we are all connected: nature, animals, and humanity. We are all Earthlings. Every action we take has an impact on others. It feels great to know that we can live a lifestyle that shows compassion, love and respect for humanity, animals and our planet.

What are you looking forward to at Elite Miss Earth United States? 

I am looking forward to meeting many amazing women who share my values of love and respect for Mother Earth. I am also excited to visit the amazing sites of Washington, D.C. including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

What is something you can't live without and why? 

I can't live without my family and dogs because love is essential to the existence and they provide me with love.


PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of publishing titleholders exclusive interviews nationally and internationally.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Alexi Gropper, Miss Florida Earth United States 2018

Alexi Gropper, Miss Florida Earth United States 2018

One fact about you:

I am adopted from Siberia Russia.

Tell us about your platform. 

My platform is to bring awareness to plastics and our ocean. Plastic pollution not only affects us but also affects our marine life.

What are you looking forward to at Miss Earth United States? 

I am looking forward to meeting all the contestants and making lifelong friendships.

What is something you can’t live without and why? 

Something I cannot live without would be my fur babies, I have seven dogs and two cats. They are all adopted.


PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of publishing titleholders exclusive interviews nationally and internationally.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Hajera Naeem Malik, Elite Miss Southwest Earth United States 2018

Hajera Naeem Malik, Elite Miss Southwest Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you:

Fun fact about me is that I love painting.

Tell us about your platform. 

My platform is "Greener Cleaner Houston" and recycling clothes.

What are you looking forward to at Elite Miss Earth United States? 

Meeting all my pageant sisters and being a part of the Miss Earth Experience.

What is something you can’t live without and why? 

I cant live without the support of my friends and family. That's what inspires me and keeps me going.


PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of publishing titleholders exclusive interviews nationally and internationally.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Elizabeth Upshur, Miss Tennessee Earth United States 2018

Elizabeth Upshur, Miss Tennessee Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you:

A fun fact about me is my birthmark on my chest is shaped like one of my favorite aquatic animals, a seahorse!

Tell us about your platform. 

My platform is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," and I've used this platform to bring awareness and educate my community on ways to go green that are easy and fun, demonstrating both short and long-term green goals, as well as highlighting ways that lower-income communities can get involved for little to zero cost, because protecting our environment shouldn't be cost prohibitive.

It is everyone's planet and everyone deserves the opportunity to help save it.

What are you looking forward to at Miss Earth United States? 

I'm looking forward to performing, sightseeing D.C for the first time, and getting to interact with kids as a state representative!

What is something you can’t live without and why? 

Something I can't live without is dancing. I LOVE a good 3-hour workout downtown with my girls, getting my sweat on and getting in touch with my body through music. It's super cathartic too!

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of interviewing titleholders national and international.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Bre Lee L'Estrange, Miss Colorado Earth United States 2018

Bre Lee L'Estrange, Miss Colorado Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you:

I have two sides of me. I love pageants, modeling, fashion, and glam. The other side I love adventures, camping, Netflix binge days and wearing no makeup at all.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

I am a 21- year old vanilla milk tea enthusiast and I was born and raised in a small town called Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Growing up I loved being on stage and writing so as I have gotten older I have found my two passions within pageantry and blogging. 

My platform is "Small actions, Huge Impact." I want to use my platform to promote environmental awareness through our community and how taking small actions to help improve our environment can create a huge lasting effect in our world.

What are you looking forward to at Miss Earth United States?

The experience. I have worked so hard to get to this point and being at Miss Earth United States is a celebration of beauties for a cause and all the change we have made within environmental awareness.

What is something you can’t live without and why?

My camera. Memories are so precious to me and I love being able to capture moments through my lens that I can save forever.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagram: @breleee & @misscoloradoearth

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of interviewing titleholders national and international.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Michelle Laino, Teen Miss New Jersey Earth United States 2018

Michelle Laino, Teen Miss New Jersey Earth United States 2018

One fun fact about you:

I can cook Minute rice in 58 seconds. (This is a bit of a joke, but I used to meal prep and had to get really good at cooking faster to save time!)

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both. 

Well, my platform and my interests go hand in hand. I am a personal trainer and my platform revolves around food. I advocate for eating locally at sustainably sourced places and supporting your local sustainable farms. I believe in taking care of your body and the Earth and the way you eat is reflective of both.

What are you looking forward to at Teen Miss Earth United States? 

Getting to spend the week with the other girls! We’ve all been talking to each other and following each other for so long now, I want to meet everyone in person!

What is something you can’t live without and why? 

My reusable cup and straw. I take it everywhere or leave it in my car because with the amount of iced tea I drink I never know when I will need it. The places I go for my tea give me a discount for bringing my own cup!

Where can we follow you on social media? 

Facebook: Michelle Laino
Instagram: @michellelaino

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight is a special feature of Ask The Crown. We are proud to be the pioneer of interviewing titleholders national and international.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Ardelle Dickerson, Miss Teen DC United States 2018

Ardelle Dickerson, Miss Teen District of Columbia United States 2018

Claim to Fame:

I inherited my late grandmother’s name that just so happened to be the same as a cosmetic company. So, whenever I introduce myself to people (girls specifically), they always respond: “Oh Ardell(e)! Like the eyelashes?!” 

Fun Fact About You:

I work as a secret shopper at an amusement park. I get paid to ride roller coasters all day. 

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would wish for 1,000 more wishes! If that’s not an option, my one wish would be to receive acceptance letters from all of the universities I applied to. 

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

Falling into the stigma as an African American battling mental adversities, I felt conflicted to open up about my severe depression and anxiety. I want to ensure that minorities in my state understand the importance of being self-aware regarding their mental health. 

Working as a Suicide Hotline Responder, I console many adolescents who are LGBTQ+, low-income and are Hispanic or black. From my experience, teens in this demographic deal with so much social backlash. It’s imperative that they know the available resources in order to prevent the prolonging of an invisible illness. 

As Miss Teen DC United States, it’s my obligation to provide support because of representation matters.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love filming makeup tutorials! I’m high school, I dealt with cystic acne and covering my blemishes was an everyday thing. A once problematic routine turned into an artistic passion of mine. I even spent my summers working at Sephora showing girls proper skincare and how to feel beautiful even with hectic pimples.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagrams: @Ardelledickerson & @MissTeenDCUS

Facebooks: Ardelle Dickerson & Miss Teen District of Columbia United States 2018

Email: MissTeenDCUnitedStates2018@gmail.com

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Summer Raquel Keffeler, Miss Washington Teen USA 2018

Summer Raquel Keffeler, Miss Washington Teen USA 2018

Hometown: Monroe, Washington

Claim To Fame: 

Pageantry runs in my family.

Fun Fact About You: 

I have been to Disneyland over 25 times!

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would wish to be Miss Teen USA! I believe that I am qualified and have the characteristics to be a strong and empowering title holder. Pageantry has been a part of my life for many years now and being involved with the Miss Universe Organization has always been a goal of mine. I am so humbled to have the opportunity to carry my state title. I hope to grow not only my organization but as an individual with the national title.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

About my platform: I am an advocate for a happy and healthy lifestyle, I grew up watching my sister play every sport under the sun but I lacked in the field of athletics until I found Dance and that completely changed my life. 

I am now the Vice President of the “Play On Sports” organization. The organization is geared towards young athletes in low-income families, we raise money to supply the athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their passion.

About me: I am a 16-year-old honor roll student at Monroe High School, as well as a competitive dancer at Platinum Dance Center. I love yoga, kickboxing, and sports medicine. 

I am currently deciding between getting a degree in early childhood education and pursuing the career of a preschool teacher or becoming a pharmaceutical representative while attending undergraduate school to become a registered nurse in hospice care. 

And finally I am a very family oriented person, my favorite past time is watching Disney movies or football games with my family.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I especially enjoy dance and literature.

Where can we follow you on social media?

You can follow my journey at @misswateenUSA or @summerkeffeler 

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Mandy Peterson, Miss Minnesota United States 2018

Mandy Peterson, Miss Minnesota United States 2018

Claim to fame:

After three years of competing for the Minnesota United States title, I am honored and humbled to represent the bold North. I also am an honor roll student with academic achievement status in addition to graduating two years ahead of schedule. 

Fun Fact About You:

Fun fact about me, well I am slightly obsessed with Oreos.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would love to see more resources available to adolescents and teens who are battling depression. We, as not only a state but a country have seen a rise in teen self-harm and suicide. Together we can stop this epidemic and aid our up and coming generations. 

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

My platform actually affects me both personally and professionally.  As a suicide attempt survivor, I know how debilitating depression and anxiety can be. I have decided I want to overcome my dark battle and use my voice to shed light on the subject of mental illness. I am also a future adolescent counsellor with a current position in a day treatment facility focusing on pre-adolescent children who struggle with severe emotional and behavioral disorders.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love to cook! I recently was challenged to a vegan “diet”, if you will, and it has broadened my horizons and knowledge when it comes to food. Cooking (and eating) is certainly a comfort for my soul.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Facebook: Miss Minnesota United States 

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Ashley Vollrath, Miss Virginia USA 2018

Ashley Vollrath, Miss Virginia USA 2018

Claim to Fame:

I would say my ‘claim to fame’ would be my Instagram handle @AshweeAmanda. Many people know me from social media so they will refer to me as @AshweeAmanda when I see them out and about.

Fun fact about you:

My nickname growing up was “Girashley” because I was so tall and lanky.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would wish that no child in this world would endure a life full of suffering. From hunger, neglect, abuse, illness or disability, I would wish that a solution was established to eliminate it.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

My platform involves being a cheerleader, and my job is to encourage and motivate teenagers, and young adults, to never give up, and to “Spread Your Wings and (F)orever, (L)ove, (Y)ourself.”

I hope by telling my own personal story of the struggles I faced growing up, and how I was able to overcome them, I am able to motivate young people that may be facing the same type of struggles, to never give up and dream big. As a product of teenage pregnancy, my mom and I were forced to grow up together. I lived in 3 different States before I had turned 4 years old due to my mom’s military responsibilities and experienced divorce first hand.  My struggle with academics began in kindergarten. It’s hard to understand how one might fail finger painting, and basic addition, but I was not up to par with all of my peers.  I failed kindergarten and experienced defeat at just five years old. I was diagnosed with a mild learning disability and graduated in the bottom 25% of my high school class.

Shortly after high school, I started believing in myself, and everything changed. I am now a senior at Virginia Tech and after interviewing with all the top media outlets in the country, this past summer, I chose to intern for Comcast Sports Net, in Boston, reporting at the regional level because of my love for the Boston Red Sox. I love my story and I want to share it while encouraging others to “Spread Your Wings and F-L-Y.” 

As Miss Virginia USA, I have been able to tell my story and pave a path for so many young adults guiding them to their own success story.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

Sports. I am a firm believer that sports make the world go round. I attribute sports for building me into the person I am today. Three adjectives that I use to describe myself; determined, hardworking and leader, are in my opinion, because of athletics. Additionally, my commitment to spectator sports formulated amazing friendships and taught me what good sportsmanship consisted of.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Personal accounts: 

Facebook: AshleyAmandaVollrath

Instagram: @ashweeamanda

Twitter: @AshweeAmanda

Snapchat: @Ashweeamanda

Miss Virginia accounts:

Facebook: @MissVirginiaUSA

Instagram: @missvausa

Twitter: @RealMissVAUSA 

Snapchat: @missvausa

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Teuila Lafi, Worlds Preteen Miss Tourism 2018

Claim to fame:

In my first 2 national pageants, I won 1st runner-up for the Little Miss United States. Then, I won my 3rd national pageant in 2017. I was also a principle extra in the feature film, “Aloha.”

Fun fact about you:

A fun fact about me is that I understand 3 languages and speak fluently in 2 of them: English, Hawaiian, and Samoan.

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

I would love to be featured in New York Fashion Week 2018. I have always wanted to be a model and I enjoy being on the stage. This would be a great opportunity and experience to learn even more.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

Operation Christmas Child is my platform. I love helping pack up shoe boxes to send to kids in Third World countries. For most of them, this is the first gift they have ever received in their life.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry?

I love reading, acting, singing, dancing, riding horses and spending time with my family playing games or go to the beach.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Teuila Desiree and Worlds Preteen Miss Tourism, both on Facebook.

PageantLIVE Red Carpet Highlight: Dani Walker, Miss Montana USA 2018

Dani Walker - Miss Montana USA 2018

Claim to Fame:

I am a pageant expert and creator of Youtube channel Pageant Access, which recently made the switch to youtube.com/daniwalker.

Fun fact about you:  

I am a huge UFC fan. If it weren’t for pageant expenses, I would be travelling the world to attend numerous fights. One of my bucket list goals is to watch one at Madison Square Garden. 

If you have one wish to be granted in 2018, what is it and why?

To be Miss Universe 2018. This is an obvious one, but it is at the top of my list because it would lead to the fulfilment of many other dreams, for myself and others. If this wish is granted, I will use my understanding of branding, and social media management, to bring relevancy to pageantry by strategically developing the Miss Universe title, into one of social influence. I have already successfully built a globally recognized Youtube channel, with the intention of making the skills, and benefits, of pageantry accessible to all women. I can, and will, do it for the Miss Universe organization, to begin a new era of growth and empowerment.

Tell us about your platform or yourself, choose one or both.

Many would not assume that I grew up with constant financial stress. My family struggled to afford food and rent. Experiencing living in a low-income, high-crime, neighborhood affected my worldview. When my mom had to ask friends for food, so I would not go hungry, I understood, and appreciated, basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and clothing. I recognized the need to help others living in similar situations, so I became an advocate for poverty. Since 2004 I have worked with over fifty non-profits to organize events, volunteer, or speak on behalf of our world’s poor. Poverty is a global issue, but progress is being made by coordination with communities and local non-profits, which offer services and resources. Whether I am selected as Miss USA or not, this is my life’s work, my true legacy. I will continue to champion this cause because loving one another is always worthwhile.

What is your passion or interest outside pageantry? 

I am a person that is easy to please. A day filled with dogs, food, and dancing is ideal for me. If I could adopt every dog in the world, and give them a loving home to share my snacks with, I would do it. I also grew up dancing and performing in musical theatre. In high school, I was even enrolled in a local college’s dance program and received a scholarship. Till this day, dance brings me happiness, because it is something I can share with others that brings joy to us both. 

Where can we follow you on social media?

My official Miss Montana USA pages are Miss Montana USA on Facebook, @missmtusa on Instagram, and @realmissmtusa on Twitter. 

My personal Facebook and Instagram pages are @daniwalker and @pageantaccess. For bonus points you can subscribe to my Youtube channel youtube.com/daniwalker to watch my #roadtomissusa series, as well as a ton of personal and pageant related content, that is released every Wednesday!