Morgan Amarone
Miss Connecticut 2011 (Duke of Edinburgh winner @ Miss America 2012)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Southington pageant?
I was first introduced to the Miss America Organization at the age of 16, when I competed in the first ever Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen Pageant. I finished first runner-up that year, and fell in love with the Organization and the opportunities associated with it. After competing for the title of Miss Connecticut in 2006 and 2008, I decided to take a step back and do some self-reflection. During that time, I realized that being a state titleholder is not about wearing a sash and a crown, rather it is an opportunity to make an impact, and most importantly, it is a job. As the 2011 pageant year approached, I knew that I was ready to handle the job of Miss Southington, and ultimately, Miss America.
Tell us about your platform, "The Power of Pink: Cancer Education Awareness".
In September of 2004 my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. He lost his battle just three months later. At the time I was confused and did not understand why he didn't realize that the signs and symptoms he was having were cancer related. I took it upon myself to do some research. I learned that many people are not educated about the disease, and that 2/3 of all cancer deaths can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. That is when I decided to dedicate my time to educating others about the disease. I have traveled the state of Connecticut implementing my program into high schools and middle schools. I am also an active volunteer, advocate and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Connecticut?
To be honest, much of that moment is still a blur. I remember standing with my first runner-up, who I attended college with and was on the Quinnipiac University Dance Company with. I do not remember hearing my name being called. What I do remember was someone yelling my ear "Morgan, you're Miss Connecticut! Morgan, you're going to Miss America!" while I was being crowned. Miss Connecticut 2010, Brittany Decker, told me the next morning at the press conference that she was the one shouting in my ear. The rest of the night was a whirlwind. After pictures, interviews, hugs, tears, and reflection, I finally settled into my bed around 3am, with the new Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen, Nicole Nemense. That was the first time I really had to reflect and think about what had just happened, and how my life was about to be forever changed.
Tell us about your book, "Madison's Journey".
After speaking in high schools and middle schools for years about cancer education and awareness, I found myself constantly being asked the same question. "How young is too young to talk to children about cancer?" My answer was always the same. I do not think it is ever too early to start teaching your child to lead a healthy lifestyle, be involved in their community, and help others in need. I thought that the best way to hold a child's attention was with a book, so I sat down and began to write the story. "Madison's Journey" was published in May 2011 by Bryson Taylor Publishing. I was crowned Miss Connecticut the following month, and my main goal was to implement the book into as many elementary schools across Connecticut as possible.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut?
Before becoming Miss Connecticut, I had not spent much time around children with cancer. Most of my time was focused on educating others about cancer and what they could do to help. In August of 2011, just one month after being crowned Miss Connecticut, I was invited to Camp Rising Sun, a camp for children with cancer. I spent the entire day with the children. Each of them has gone through more than any child should ever have to, but they were so positive and were enjoying life to the fullest. At dinner that night one of the girls I had spent the day with came up to me and asked, "Miss Connecticut, what kind of cancer do you have?" It was such an eye opening moment for me. I realized that at 8 years old, a world with cancer was all that she knew. Right then I knew that I wanted to continue to visit Camp Rising Sun for as long as I was welcome. I am happy to say that I just went back for my second visit two weeks ago, and was so excited to see so many familiar faces, and also make some new friends.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
Well, things definitely have not slowed down! I took full advantage of networking opportunities during my year as Miss Connecticut, so I am still busy with events for many of my contacts. I am an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society, and have recently recorded a public service announcement with them. I am in my last semester of graduate school, and in December I will graduate with an MBA in Healthcare Management. Upon graduation, I hope to land a job in pharmaceutical sales, specializing in oncology. I am looking forward to remaining an active volunteer with the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization as well.
I was first introduced to the Miss America Organization at the age of 16, when I competed in the first ever Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen Pageant. I finished first runner-up that year, and fell in love with the Organization and the opportunities associated with it. After competing for the title of Miss Connecticut in 2006 and 2008, I decided to take a step back and do some self-reflection. During that time, I realized that being a state titleholder is not about wearing a sash and a crown, rather it is an opportunity to make an impact, and most importantly, it is a job. As the 2011 pageant year approached, I knew that I was ready to handle the job of Miss Southington, and ultimately, Miss America.
Tell us about your platform, "The Power of Pink: Cancer Education Awareness".
In September of 2004 my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. He lost his battle just three months later. At the time I was confused and did not understand why he didn't realize that the signs and symptoms he was having were cancer related. I took it upon myself to do some research. I learned that many people are not educated about the disease, and that 2/3 of all cancer deaths can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. That is when I decided to dedicate my time to educating others about the disease. I have traveled the state of Connecticut implementing my program into high schools and middle schools. I am also an active volunteer, advocate and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Connecticut?
To be honest, much of that moment is still a blur. I remember standing with my first runner-up, who I attended college with and was on the Quinnipiac University Dance Company with. I do not remember hearing my name being called. What I do remember was someone yelling my ear "Morgan, you're Miss Connecticut! Morgan, you're going to Miss America!" while I was being crowned. Miss Connecticut 2010, Brittany Decker, told me the next morning at the press conference that she was the one shouting in my ear. The rest of the night was a whirlwind. After pictures, interviews, hugs, tears, and reflection, I finally settled into my bed around 3am, with the new Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen, Nicole Nemense. That was the first time I really had to reflect and think about what had just happened, and how my life was about to be forever changed.
Tell us about your book, "Madison's Journey".
After speaking in high schools and middle schools for years about cancer education and awareness, I found myself constantly being asked the same question. "How young is too young to talk to children about cancer?" My answer was always the same. I do not think it is ever too early to start teaching your child to lead a healthy lifestyle, be involved in their community, and help others in need. I thought that the best way to hold a child's attention was with a book, so I sat down and began to write the story. "Madison's Journey" was published in May 2011 by Bryson Taylor Publishing. I was crowned Miss Connecticut the following month, and my main goal was to implement the book into as many elementary schools across Connecticut as possible.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Connecticut?
Before becoming Miss Connecticut, I had not spent much time around children with cancer. Most of my time was focused on educating others about cancer and what they could do to help. In August of 2011, just one month after being crowned Miss Connecticut, I was invited to Camp Rising Sun, a camp for children with cancer. I spent the entire day with the children. Each of them has gone through more than any child should ever have to, but they were so positive and were enjoying life to the fullest. At dinner that night one of the girls I had spent the day with came up to me and asked, "Miss Connecticut, what kind of cancer do you have?" It was such an eye opening moment for me. I realized that at 8 years old, a world with cancer was all that she knew. Right then I knew that I wanted to continue to visit Camp Rising Sun for as long as I was welcome. I am happy to say that I just went back for my second visit two weeks ago, and was so excited to see so many familiar faces, and also make some new friends.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Connecticut ended?
Well, things definitely have not slowed down! I took full advantage of networking opportunities during my year as Miss Connecticut, so I am still busy with events for many of my contacts. I am an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society, and have recently recorded a public service announcement with them. I am in my last semester of graduate school, and in December I will graduate with an MBA in Healthcare Management. Upon graduation, I hope to land a job in pharmaceutical sales, specializing in oncology. I am looking forward to remaining an active volunteer with the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization as well.