Peyton McCormick Interview
Miss Ohio Teen USA 2006
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Ohio Teen USA pageant?
I wanted to prove to myself that I could set a goal and make it happen. I had always wanted to compete at the national level, on television, and have an experience that would make my life more interesting! Plus, I would wear bikinis and evening gowns every day if it were socially acceptable. I love being on stage. It made sense for me to compete because I was already confident in every area that I was going to be judged in. I wasn’t concerned with anything but having a good time while I was there, which is what ultimately brought me the crown!
What was going through your head when your head when you realized you were the new Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I had never competed in a pageant before and I heard that there was a lot of politics involved so I wasn’t expecting to take home the title on my first try! I was so excited. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s truly ridiculous to have a crown placed on your head as they announce your name as the winner. Of course, the music swelling and the applause adds to the insanity. I never understood why people cried when they won, but now I totally get it. It’s a sense of gratitude and accomplishment that is so overwhelming that it’s hard to process all at once. That single moment brought me such an intense feeling of happiness. I remember thinking, “I’m Miss Ohio?! Oh ****! Prayers do get answered! ”
What would be your most memorable moment during your reign as Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I remember getting to go to my state director’s house for a week to prepare for Miss Teen USA with Raquel McClendon (Miss Michigan Teen USA 06). My “big sis” Stacy (Miss Ohio USA 06) was there as well and I had such an unbelievable time. We were all working extremely hard to prepare for nationals and the anticipation was killing us, but we got to know ourselves so well. When I got there I was a scatterbrained sixteen-year-old, but by the time the week was over I knew what I wanted for my life. I had things put into perspective big time. That bonding time and hardcore preparation enabled me to be a stronger woman. I was taught to lessons that I’ll keep with me forever. No appearance or public speaking event could compare to the time I spent with Raquel and Stacy, deciding what kind of person I want to be and the changes I want to make in the world.
What would be the most memorable moment during Miss Teen USA?
I have many absolutely amazing memories from the two weeks that I spent in Palm Springs for Miss Teen USA. My most memorable though is not one of the good ones! I remember seeing my fashion shot by Fadil Berisha for the first time and gasping in horror. My hand is randomly flying through the shot! It looks blurry and weird! I remember the shoot going extremely well and even being shown a couple of really good shots directly afterward, none of which had my hand zooming toward my head. I was really hurt that that was what he chose for the entire world to see on the website AND national television. There just didn’t seem to be any explanation for it and no one else had anything like that in their picture. I look back and see that it isn’t such a huge deal, but at the time I was embarrassed and confused. I saw that there were great shots without any appendages flying at my face so I couldn’t figure out why that shot was chosen. I realized, though, that I was not in Palm Springs to have some photographer take my picture. I was there to prove that I could make a difference as Miss Teen USA and to represent Ohio to the best of my ability. It was a pretty low blow, but it forced me to take the high road and realize what’s important. I was not going to let some stupid picture shake my confidence or focus.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I really loved representing Ohio, being involved with multiple foundations/charity organizations, and being surrounded by such an amazing group of people, so naturally I was sad that my year was coming to a close! I hardly ever cry, but I was bawling like a baby as I took my final walk. I think I may have been crying before I even got on stage, actually. My experience had just meant so much to me. I grew up a lot that year and learned so many things about myself. Also, I was excited to pass that experience on to someone else! It’s hard to imagine, but being a state titleholder really does change things. In the end, I felt very glad placing the crown on the gorgeous head of Rachel Epperly. I’m not sure if she knows it, but I had her picked out as my favorite from the beginning!
Will you ever compete in another pageant?
I’ve gone back and forth with this question since I gave up my title! If I did compete, it would have to be within the Miss Universe Organization. I even have the perfect dress... but I suppose it depends on timing. I’m focusing all my efforts on becoming a successful actor right now. If I compete again, I want to be sure that I’m focused on becoming Miss USA. It’s definitely something that I would love to do and I know that I would work hard to make a positive difference in my country, but I’ve decided that I want to be an actor. Maybe competing for Miss California USA will be a part of my future. I’m certainly not opposed to it. I just want to be able to dedicate my whole heart to the goal I’m trying to accomplish, and right now it’s acting.
Lastly, what have you been up to?
I’ve been living it up in Hollywood, California trying to make my wildest dreams come true! I recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and I’ve been auditioning like crazy ever since. I was cast in a play called “Eavesdropper” in a little theatre right off of Sunset Boulevard and I just got certified by the SAFD in rapier and dagger and unarmed combat. I’ve even gotten to work with the director of “Better Off Ted,” “Samantha Who?,” “90210,” etc. a few times! Later this spring I’m moving to Paris, France to work for Disneyland Paris as a princess. I get to be Ariel, Snow White, Tinkerbell, and Alice! I’ll be there until January of 2010, and then it’s back to Hollywoodto pursue my career and make it happen. I’ve never been to Europe and I don’t speak French at all, so I know I’m in for an adventure! I’m turning twenty in July and leaving my teenage years in the dust, which is freaky and exciting at the same time, but I’m ready for anything and happy to face whatever is thrown my way!
I wanted to prove to myself that I could set a goal and make it happen. I had always wanted to compete at the national level, on television, and have an experience that would make my life more interesting! Plus, I would wear bikinis and evening gowns every day if it were socially acceptable. I love being on stage. It made sense for me to compete because I was already confident in every area that I was going to be judged in. I wasn’t concerned with anything but having a good time while I was there, which is what ultimately brought me the crown!
What was going through your head when your head when you realized you were the new Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I had never competed in a pageant before and I heard that there was a lot of politics involved so I wasn’t expecting to take home the title on my first try! I was so excited. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s truly ridiculous to have a crown placed on your head as they announce your name as the winner. Of course, the music swelling and the applause adds to the insanity. I never understood why people cried when they won, but now I totally get it. It’s a sense of gratitude and accomplishment that is so overwhelming that it’s hard to process all at once. That single moment brought me such an intense feeling of happiness. I remember thinking, “I’m Miss Ohio?! Oh ****! Prayers do get answered! ”
What would be your most memorable moment during your reign as Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I remember getting to go to my state director’s house for a week to prepare for Miss Teen USA with Raquel McClendon (Miss Michigan Teen USA 06). My “big sis” Stacy (Miss Ohio USA 06) was there as well and I had such an unbelievable time. We were all working extremely hard to prepare for nationals and the anticipation was killing us, but we got to know ourselves so well. When I got there I was a scatterbrained sixteen-year-old, but by the time the week was over I knew what I wanted for my life. I had things put into perspective big time. That bonding time and hardcore preparation enabled me to be a stronger woman. I was taught to lessons that I’ll keep with me forever. No appearance or public speaking event could compare to the time I spent with Raquel and Stacy, deciding what kind of person I want to be and the changes I want to make in the world.
What would be the most memorable moment during Miss Teen USA?
I have many absolutely amazing memories from the two weeks that I spent in Palm Springs for Miss Teen USA. My most memorable though is not one of the good ones! I remember seeing my fashion shot by Fadil Berisha for the first time and gasping in horror. My hand is randomly flying through the shot! It looks blurry and weird! I remember the shoot going extremely well and even being shown a couple of really good shots directly afterward, none of which had my hand zooming toward my head. I was really hurt that that was what he chose for the entire world to see on the website AND national television. There just didn’t seem to be any explanation for it and no one else had anything like that in their picture. I look back and see that it isn’t such a huge deal, but at the time I was embarrassed and confused. I saw that there were great shots without any appendages flying at my face so I couldn’t figure out why that shot was chosen. I realized, though, that I was not in Palm Springs to have some photographer take my picture. I was there to prove that I could make a difference as Miss Teen USA and to represent Ohio to the best of my ability. It was a pretty low blow, but it forced me to take the high road and realize what’s important. I was not going to let some stupid picture shake my confidence or focus.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Ohio Teen USA?
I really loved representing Ohio, being involved with multiple foundations/charity organizations, and being surrounded by such an amazing group of people, so naturally I was sad that my year was coming to a close! I hardly ever cry, but I was bawling like a baby as I took my final walk. I think I may have been crying before I even got on stage, actually. My experience had just meant so much to me. I grew up a lot that year and learned so many things about myself. Also, I was excited to pass that experience on to someone else! It’s hard to imagine, but being a state titleholder really does change things. In the end, I felt very glad placing the crown on the gorgeous head of Rachel Epperly. I’m not sure if she knows it, but I had her picked out as my favorite from the beginning!
Will you ever compete in another pageant?
I’ve gone back and forth with this question since I gave up my title! If I did compete, it would have to be within the Miss Universe Organization. I even have the perfect dress... but I suppose it depends on timing. I’m focusing all my efforts on becoming a successful actor right now. If I compete again, I want to be sure that I’m focused on becoming Miss USA. It’s definitely something that I would love to do and I know that I would work hard to make a positive difference in my country, but I’ve decided that I want to be an actor. Maybe competing for Miss California USA will be a part of my future. I’m certainly not opposed to it. I just want to be able to dedicate my whole heart to the goal I’m trying to accomplish, and right now it’s acting.
Lastly, what have you been up to?
I’ve been living it up in Hollywood, California trying to make my wildest dreams come true! I recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and I’ve been auditioning like crazy ever since. I was cast in a play called “Eavesdropper” in a little theatre right off of Sunset Boulevard and I just got certified by the SAFD in rapier and dagger and unarmed combat. I’ve even gotten to work with the director of “Better Off Ted,” “Samantha Who?,” “90210,” etc. a few times! Later this spring I’m moving to Paris, France to work for Disneyland Paris as a princess. I get to be Ariel, Snow White, Tinkerbell, and Alice! I’ll be there until January of 2010, and then it’s back to Hollywoodto pursue my career and make it happen. I’ve never been to Europe and I don’t speak French at all, so I know I’m in for an adventure! I’m turning twenty in July and leaving my teenage years in the dust, which is freaky and exciting at the same time, but I’m ready for anything and happy to face whatever is thrown my way!