Ashley Glenn
Miss Connecticut 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Shoreline pageant?
I always knew that I wanted to go to Miss America and while working towards my doctorate in physical therapy I decided to give Miss Shoreline a shot. It was a new local pageant so I was excited to participate and earn the opportunity to compete at Miss Connecticut. All while earning scholarship for school.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Shoreline?
I was elated, and knew that I was one step closer towards my goal. Now it was time to prepare for states! I had competed at the state pageant in Massachusetts for two years and after taking a year off I was ready to get down to business. This year would be different.
Tell us about your platform “Focus on Healing.”
I became involved with my platform, Focus on Healing, prior to becoming Miss Connecticut. The organization I work with is called Healthy Steps, formerly known as the Lebed Method. Healthy Steps is a therapeutic exercise program using movement and dance and was created for breast cancer survivors. Classes are structured like a dance class; however, dance experience is not required. Exercises are meant to be slow and controlled so they are pain-free. Every class begins by blowing bubbles as a fun way to open up the lymphatic system instead of typical breathing exercises. All dance moves can be done sitting or standing, and various props are used such as beach balls and boas to make the exercises more appealing.
Therapeutically, Healthy Steps increases our strength and range of motion, improves our endurance, and prevents lymphedema. However, psychologically and emotionally Healthy Steps helps breast cancer survivors redefine her life. As Miss Connecticut, I had the opportunity to increase awareness about this incredible program and participate in classes throughout the state.
When did you start lyrical dancing?
I began dancing when I was 3 years old at the Hackworth School of Performing Arts. At age 10, I began dancing competitively which is approximately when I was introduced to lyrical dance. Lyrical quickly became my favorite style of dance since it came so naturally to me.
Tell us about your experience on the reality show, “Miss America: Reality Check”.
Los Angeles was a blast! Being on the gray team was great because we won 3 of the 4 Team challenges. It was an honor to represent Connecticut and participate in the filming of a TLC reality show. The schedule was very demanding and some of the days seemed to never end, but what was most important was that I learned so much about myself. Living on the Queen Mary for almost 3 weeks was an experience I’ll never forget. I have enough ghost stories to last a lifetime!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment at Miss America was competing in evening wear. I was wearing my Miss America gown and walking to one of my favorite songs, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I can remember watching the pageant on television since I was a little girl. I never imagined that I would be up there myself one day.
What are you currently studying at Quinnipiac University?
I recently graduated from Quinnipiac University in May 2009 with my doctorate in physical therapy.
Do you think you’ve made a difference since you were crowned Miss Connecticut?
Whether it was the breast cancer survivors in my Lebed exercise class, the children at the hospital, the veterans at the parades, or the many incredible people I met on appearances, all of them reminded me of why my job was so important. I saw firsthand the impact I had on their lives as Miss Connecticut. I also will be remembered for initiating a lasting relationship between the Miss Connecticut Organization and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
Well, I have my life back! I caught up on sleep, reconnected with friends, and spent time with my family. I also completed my summer internship at Glendale Rehabilitation Center and began preparing for my last internship at Boston Children’s Hospital this fall.
I always knew that I wanted to go to Miss America and while working towards my doctorate in physical therapy I decided to give Miss Shoreline a shot. It was a new local pageant so I was excited to participate and earn the opportunity to compete at Miss Connecticut. All while earning scholarship for school.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the new Miss Shoreline?
I was elated, and knew that I was one step closer towards my goal. Now it was time to prepare for states! I had competed at the state pageant in Massachusetts for two years and after taking a year off I was ready to get down to business. This year would be different.
Tell us about your platform “Focus on Healing.”
I became involved with my platform, Focus on Healing, prior to becoming Miss Connecticut. The organization I work with is called Healthy Steps, formerly known as the Lebed Method. Healthy Steps is a therapeutic exercise program using movement and dance and was created for breast cancer survivors. Classes are structured like a dance class; however, dance experience is not required. Exercises are meant to be slow and controlled so they are pain-free. Every class begins by blowing bubbles as a fun way to open up the lymphatic system instead of typical breathing exercises. All dance moves can be done sitting or standing, and various props are used such as beach balls and boas to make the exercises more appealing.
Therapeutically, Healthy Steps increases our strength and range of motion, improves our endurance, and prevents lymphedema. However, psychologically and emotionally Healthy Steps helps breast cancer survivors redefine her life. As Miss Connecticut, I had the opportunity to increase awareness about this incredible program and participate in classes throughout the state.
When did you start lyrical dancing?
I began dancing when I was 3 years old at the Hackworth School of Performing Arts. At age 10, I began dancing competitively which is approximately when I was introduced to lyrical dance. Lyrical quickly became my favorite style of dance since it came so naturally to me.
Tell us about your experience on the reality show, “Miss America: Reality Check”.
Los Angeles was a blast! Being on the gray team was great because we won 3 of the 4 Team challenges. It was an honor to represent Connecticut and participate in the filming of a TLC reality show. The schedule was very demanding and some of the days seemed to never end, but what was most important was that I learned so much about myself. Living on the Queen Mary for almost 3 weeks was an experience I’ll never forget. I have enough ghost stories to last a lifetime!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My most memorable moment at Miss America was competing in evening wear. I was wearing my Miss America gown and walking to one of my favorite songs, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I can remember watching the pageant on television since I was a little girl. I never imagined that I would be up there myself one day.
What are you currently studying at Quinnipiac University?
I recently graduated from Quinnipiac University in May 2009 with my doctorate in physical therapy.
Do you think you’ve made a difference since you were crowned Miss Connecticut?
Whether it was the breast cancer survivors in my Lebed exercise class, the children at the hospital, the veterans at the parades, or the many incredible people I met on appearances, all of them reminded me of why my job was so important. I saw firsthand the impact I had on their lives as Miss Connecticut. I also will be remembered for initiating a lasting relationship between the Miss Connecticut Organization and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
Well, I have my life back! I caught up on sleep, reconnected with friends, and spent time with my family. I also completed my summer internship at Glendale Rehabilitation Center and began preparing for my last internship at Boston Children’s Hospital this fall.