Ashley Stainton Interview
Miss Arizona Teen USA 2008 + top 15 @ Miss Teen USA 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Arizona Teen USA pageant?
My mom and I had always enjoyed watching the Miss USA and Miss America pageants together when I was a young girl, and ever since then I thought it would be an amazing experience. When I found out about the Miss Teen USA pageant from a family friend, all my childhood memories of watching the pageants flooded back into my head and I knew I wanted to compete!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Arizona Teen USA?
I remember looking into the audience and smiling at my parents, their reactions where one of the greatest parts about my entire year, they seemed so excited and proud.
What would be your first thought when you were called into the top 15 in Miss Teen USA?
I had worked really hard for that moment, so when I was called into the top 15 I was thankful that all my time and dedication had gotten me a spot in the semifinals!
Tell us about your charity fundraiser (“Make it or Fake it”) you organized.
The "Make it or Fake" Fundraiser has been held for the past 2 years and has raised over $10,000 for the Single Mother's Network of Arizona (Helping Hands for Single Moms). Guest are invited to the event and asked to bring an item to auction off, with all the money raised from that night being donated. Its a night filled with food, friends, and of course a worthy cause. I could not think of a more deserving charity to donate the proceeds of my fundraiser to and hope to continue it for many years to come.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
The most memorable moment was when I first arrived. The excitement and anticipation had been building up for the past few months and it was crazy to realize I was actually there, at Miss Teen USA!
What emotions were you going through when you had to give away your title as Miss Arizona Teen USA?
I had had an amazing year, but knew I was ready for the next chapter in my life, and excited to give someone else that experience.
Will you compete in another pageant in the future?
I do not have any plans for competing in the future; although, I will always have a special place for the Miss Universe Organization in my heart.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Arizona Teen USA ended?
I am so excited to be attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas next fall. So this summer I have been soaking up my last months of the Arizona sun and getting ready for the big move to Texas!
My mom and I had always enjoyed watching the Miss USA and Miss America pageants together when I was a young girl, and ever since then I thought it would be an amazing experience. When I found out about the Miss Teen USA pageant from a family friend, all my childhood memories of watching the pageants flooded back into my head and I knew I wanted to compete!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Arizona Teen USA?
I remember looking into the audience and smiling at my parents, their reactions where one of the greatest parts about my entire year, they seemed so excited and proud.
What would be your first thought when you were called into the top 15 in Miss Teen USA?
I had worked really hard for that moment, so when I was called into the top 15 I was thankful that all my time and dedication had gotten me a spot in the semifinals!
Tell us about your charity fundraiser (“Make it or Fake it”) you organized.
The "Make it or Fake" Fundraiser has been held for the past 2 years and has raised over $10,000 for the Single Mother's Network of Arizona (Helping Hands for Single Moms). Guest are invited to the event and asked to bring an item to auction off, with all the money raised from that night being donated. Its a night filled with food, friends, and of course a worthy cause. I could not think of a more deserving charity to donate the proceeds of my fundraiser to and hope to continue it for many years to come.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss Teen USA?
The most memorable moment was when I first arrived. The excitement and anticipation had been building up for the past few months and it was crazy to realize I was actually there, at Miss Teen USA!
What emotions were you going through when you had to give away your title as Miss Arizona Teen USA?
I had had an amazing year, but knew I was ready for the next chapter in my life, and excited to give someone else that experience.
Will you compete in another pageant in the future?
I do not have any plans for competing in the future; although, I will always have a special place for the Miss Universe Organization in my heart.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Arizona Teen USA ended?
I am so excited to be attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas next fall. So this summer I have been soaking up my last months of the Arizona sun and getting ready for the big move to Texas!