Miss Laurelwood's Outstanding Teen 2015 Farewell Speech

What a year this has been! I can remember over a year ago thinking that anyone who competes in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen system is “famous” because of what you see on television. But then I realized I AM competing, and how awesome it isl. So my year started off with traveling to Philadelphia and Hershey Pennsylvania and I got to meet Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2015 Olivia McMillan and I got to travel to Hershey and spend time with Miss Pennsylvania's Outstanding Teen 2015 and Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen 2015... it was an awesome experience.

I had the opportunity to spread awareness on my Platform “Y.E.S.S” Youth Ending Self Harm and Suicide by spreading awareness with a program out of New Jersey. I had the opportunity to serve Christmas and Easter breakfast for a local Church group, I got to travel the state and go to almost all the locals in Pennsylvania and got to see the class of 2015 get crowded and that was an amazing part of my year.Towards the middle of my year of reign I got to fulfill my dreams and compete at Miss Pennsylvani's Outstanding Teen Pageant. I was honored to walk away with the “Annie Rosellini" Smile Award. After the State pageant I was just so humbled with all the opportunities I had throughout my year.

Many times I have had the opportunities to meet some amazing people. There is one story that I would love to share with you. When it was my second week of reign I had the opportunity to travel to Harrisburg and Philadelphia to meet Miss. America's Outstanding Teen 2015 and oh, what a dream that was. When you think about it she was in the same spot all of us are in right now, then we all compete for the state title, then nationals comes around and you have a 1/52 chance of becoming the next Miss. America's Outstanding Teen. When one of you girls win one of two of these two titles tonight you have to take in account that YOU, Could be the next Miss. America's Outstanding Teen, And it doesn't come easy. Realize that You are representing an area in which the state you live in. To be honest, I wouldn't have wanted to represent any other area in the state this year than what I have been for the past year. The Laurel Highlands is such a wonderful place. Your year,It goes by fast but come to realize that YOU can do it. I tell myself that everyday.

There's a few people who I would like to thank and first off Lori and Page, Page you're off in Alabama twirling with the million dollar band but I looked up to you in so many ways and I wouldn't have wanted to have anyone else crown me and have spent these past few years pageant experiences with anyone else, and Lori you have been like a second mother to me and a really close friend of my mother's I can remember a year ago standing on this stage remembering how shocked we ALL were that I had won. I want to thank The Bridal Suite for getting me my perfect evening gown and interview dress, I really felt like a Princess. I want to thank my Sister and Dad for all your support throughout the year. I want to thank Kathy and Melonie for their love and support for this system I couldn't have went to states as prepared as much as I was without the help and support of you both. Last but not least, mom your my bestfriend, saying we traveled this state back and forth 10 plus times actually could be right. Through the years of me competing in pageants this year sure was one of the bests, I remember all of our interview practice before going to school since we have a wonderful hour drive together every morning. Also the love and support you have given me through everything. You have a money tree growing somewhere I just gotta find it.

Throughout this crazy ride all in all I met some amazing people, traveled the state many many times. I just want to say to all the girls competing tonight, this is not just a crown and sash, it's a representation of a lot of people. Fill in the shoes of me and you will be in for a long road but fun year ahead. I can promise you.

For the last time, I am your 2015 Miss Laurelwood's Outstanding Teen Elizabeth Kostic!