Los Angeles—For many, the term “beauty pageant” conjures up images of gorgeous ladies decked out in dazzling gowns with high heels, bright stage lights, and polished performances. However, as a participant in this year’s Miss Los Angeles County Teen Scholarship Program held on February 22, 2025 at Ken Nakaoka Community Center in Gardena, California, I can say that this event is much more than a beauty competition … it is a platform for young women to develop leadership skills, to earn scholarships, and to make an impact in their communities.
Unlike traditional beauty pageants that focus primarily on appearance, the Miss Los Angeles County Teen Scholarship Program, a local competition for the Miss America organization, prioritizes academic achievement, community service, and personal growth. The experience empowers women by allowing past participants, current role models for younger generations, and current contestants to interact and develop deep bonds with each other. Contestants participate in a variety of categories, including talent shows, public speaking, and interviews, to showcase their intelligence, creativity, and ambitions.
For me, public speaking and answering current events interview questions required a lot of preparation. This program helped me gain confidence and leadership skills. It’s not just about winning a crown—it’s about growing as a person and making a difference.
Health & Fitness Comes First: Miss America Organization Team with Rebel Athletic and the American Heart Association [Photo courtesy: Gianna Guerrero]
Not to mention, the traditional bathing suit segment was replaced with an athletic wear section, where contestants modeled “Rebel Athletic,” an athletic clothing brand promoting fitness and health across America. As part of this change, I had the opportunity to wear clothing from Rebel Wear.
“The Rebel Athletic partnership with Miss America allows women to showcase the ways they stay active in their lives! It is inspiring to see how each woman partakes in healthy habits whether it’s going for a run, doing yoga, or playing a sport!” said Kaitlin Yam, Miss Culver City Teen 2025. It was an exciting experience to represent a brand that encourages health and fitness for all.
One significant aspect of the Miss Los Angeles Teen County Scholarship Program is its commitment to education. These scholarships help winners and participants facilitate their pursuit of higher education, whether in universities, community colleges, or vocational schools.
Beyond academics and personal development, the Miss America organization places a strong emphasis on community service. Contestants are required to engage in philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as education initiatives, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness. For example, one of the winners this year, Julianne Rocke, who holds the title of Miss Los Angeles County Teen, has a Community Service Initiative called Shine Your L.I.G.H.T., which focuses on Leadership Inspires Generosity, Hope and Teamwork.
Through their participation, contestants become advocates for important social issues, using their platforms to bring attention to causes they are passionate about. Rocke shares, “As a titleholder in the Miss America Organization, we are given the opportunity to advocate for a Community Service Initiative, and mine is one that I created myself called Shine Your L.I.G.H.T.“
As Rocke continues, “Through my CSI, I have had the pleasure of visiting over 30 elementary school classrooms, working with various Rotaries across California, and supporting those affected by the LA fires. I have also run drives in my community to collect 600+ pairs of socks for people who are unhoused. As Miss Los Angeles County’s Teen 2025, I cannot wait to continue spreading Shine Your L.I.G.H.T. throughout LA County and compete for the title of Miss California’s Teen this June!”
![A Sisterhood Moment: Group Picture After an All-Day Rehearsal [Source: Author, Summer Park]](https://i0.wp.com/highschool.latimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screen-Shot-2025-03-01-at-11.11.13-PM.png?resize=304%2C246&ssl=1)
A Sisterhood Moment: Group Picture After an All-Day Rehearsal [Source: Author, Summer Park]
The Miss Los Angeles County Teen Scholarship Program goes beyond the competition. Contestants form a strong sisterhood, building lifelong friendships, gaining mentorship, and developing communication skills as seen Participant Tábata Rabelo reflects on her experience, saying, “I’ve been doing this competition for 3 years already, and I keep growing closer to the girls who always come back, and I make new friends with the girls who are competing for the first time!”
Rabelo adds, “I’ve made many friendships through this event and they are some of my best friends! The mentorship I get from this program has helped me become a more confident and giving person.”
The organization challenges outdated misconceptions of beauty pageants by redefining what it means to be a titleholder. The young women who participate are not just contestants; they are future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the world for the better.
With its focus on education, empowerment, and community service, the Miss Los Angeles County Scholarship Program proves that it is much more than a traditional beauty pageant—it is a launching pad for the next generation of confident and accomplished women, ready to make a lasting impact.
