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America’s National Teenager Program Finds New Home In Addison County

photo provided Vermont ANTSO director Lindsay Gallison is looking for business and volunteer support for this year and beyond as she grows the Vermont ANTSO scholarship program.

photo provided The 2010 Miss Vermont National Teenagers wait the chance to meet with the new contestants and share an exciting program, culminating in the April 2& 3 competition weekend in Middlebury, Vermont.

Tuesday December 7, 2010

By Cookie Steponaitis

    Lindsay Gallison remembers her high school years and the turning point for her that happened when a teacher suggested she compete in a scholarship program for young women that emphasized public speaking, community service and academic focus. Lindsay’s choice led to her competing in the Miss Vermont competition and earning the title of Miss Vermont not once, but twice as a teenager in the Junior and Senior divisions.  Traveling to national competitions, she found that the benefits of the program included an ease with public speaking, and a series of college scholarships that allowed her to earn a college education. As the years passed, Lindsay maintained contact with the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization (ANTSO) and this past September learned that the Vermont program had no director. “As a past titleholder and a director I have missed being involved in ANTSO. This pageant has impacted so many teens in Vermont over the years and when I heard that there was no Vermont Director I immediately made a phone call and here I am,” reflected Ms. Gallison. “I am so excited about the program returning to the Addison County region and to the year ahead.”

    The judging criteria includes the following categories- 15% My School (academics and school awards/excellence), 15% My Activities (leadership, extra-curricular activities and community service), 30% Interview, 15% Evening Gown, 15% Personal Expression (trademarked category, decorate a pair of blue jeans and model them), and 10% Onstage Question. ANTSO offers a program designed for girls between 13 – 25 years of age that is divided into categories for Junior ages 13-15, Senior ages 16-18 and Miss ages 19-25. Each contestant will receive training in interview, speech, poise, on-stage question and meet teens from around the state. The program will culminate with a competition at the 2011 Vermont competition in April. Preliminaries will be held at the Marriott in Middlebury and the final show will be at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.

    Prizes for the state winners include paying the entry fee to the Nationals competitions, travel paid to Nationals competition, a Modeling Scholarship with the John Robert Powers Modeling School, $700+ in gift certificates including special discounts on jewelry, interview training, clothing, gowns, shoes, photography, and much more! The package also includes scholarships to major university partners like Eckerd College, Oklahoma City University, University of Charleston, Milwaukee College of Engineering, among others. Winners also receive one of three Exclusive Invitations to attend the ANTSO "West Coast Adventure" Trip (San Diego), "Christmas in the City" Trip (New York City), and "Island Adventure" Trip (U.S. Virgin Islands).

    Ms. Gallison, who is already hard at work, spoke at length about her goals for the program and stated, “My plans are to have the Vermont program grow... by getting girls from all over Vermont interested. There is already a national package set up for the states but I would like to have some Vermont scholarship given away along with other Vermont prizes awarded.” In addition to the fun and excitement, several past titleholders are coming to share their time and talents with the program, because of their belief in the skills and life lessons they learned. “There is such a personal growth that takes place, “Ms Gallison shared. “America’s National Teenager Organization truly is about learning to be leaders and to work with others to be the best you can be. I have watched it work first hand and have experienced it myself. The benefits aren't just the prizes, scholarships, trip to nations, and a year as Miss Vermont....but you gain new friends, and amazing experience, and skills that you can use for the rest of your life such as communication and interview skills, how to stand with confidence, how to speak in front of people, and how to be comfortable being you!”

     Anyone seeking more information, please contact Linsday Gallison at [email protected] 802-989-5171 or visit the national website at www.nationalteen.com.

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