by Andi Hale
Teresa Scanlan was the youngest contestant to be crowned Miss America in modern history. She has had several struggles and victories over the years and yet her perseverance and determination have shown through. She is open, honest, authentic and eloquent as she shares her life and her faith.
In 2022, Cheslie Kryst passed away by suicide and Teresa again spoke up, which we covered in “One Miss to Another”.
Theresa has consistently been an advocate for mental health, and even during her reign as Miss America, she was bold enough to bring up the topic, although the board shut her down at that time.
A&E has a new series interviewing former title holders including Teresa. “Secrets of Miss America” delves into the long-kept secrets of America’s oldest beauty pageant, exposing the shocking scandals at its core.
In the episode “Under Pressure“, 12 former title holders specifically discuss the fast pace life of the current title holder and the many restrictions and control the organization holds over their heads. They were allowed little to no contact with family, up to 3 appearances every day and scripted approved talking points.
The promise of a platform for what each title holder feels led to support takes a back seat to the sponsors. this results in a loss of identity as well as the lonliness they feel from the disconnection of family and friends.
Few professionals are immune from facing these pressures. This experience is not unique to Miss America. But winning Miss America at 17 years old was my first introduction to such an experience, and it helped me learn very quickly what to avoid in my professional life ahead. But others don’t always have the same one-year-in-the-fire intense gauntlet that I experienced, so I only hope that in some small way, what I share may help, support, or encourage others in their journey. And I also hope that as we continue the conversation around Miss America specifically, we can implement meaningful change for everyone involved.
When Cheslie Kryst (former Miss USA 2019, and also an attorney) died by suicide last year, her last post on Instagram, the very morning of her death, was captioned, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”
That led me to reflect deeply on our shared experiences and pain. I hope this continues to spur deeper understanding, purposeful thought, and earnest conversation in every profession, at all levels, as we move forward.
Teresa Scanlan – Business Litigation Attorney, Air National Guard Staff Sergeant, Miss America 2011, Public Speaker & Professional Pianist
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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