Taylor Gorton
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2008 (top 15 @ Miss Teen USA 2008)
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Oklahoma Teen USA pageant?
Growing up, watching Miss USA and Miss Teen USA was treated like a national holiday at the Gorton household. My decision to compete was made far before I was even old enough. I knew I wanted to be apart of such a remarkable and credible organization. So, as soon as I turned 15… it was go time.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at the Miss Teen USA pageant?
I remember looking out into the audience, seeing my family spell out Oklahoma with obscenely large pink and zebra print letters. That moment was incredible. It reminded me of my purpose for being on stage. I wasn't there for self-gratification. I was there to represent myself, my family, and my state, in a positive and accurate light. It was definitely and "Ah Hah! Lightbulb!!" moment that I will never forget.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA?
Within that single year, I accrued memories that ranged from touching to hilarious, and everything in between. A story I frequently share, is how I ended up with a 3-dimensional butterfly on my evening gown. My director, John Vannatta, can visualize and design with the best of them. We had a "bedazzling" friendship to begin with, but this was icing on the cake. During a bootcamp in Kansas City, I received a call from John. He said he found a butterfly wall hanger at Hobby Lobby and thought it would be the perfect accent for my dress. With Miss Teen USA quickly approaching, I sort of panicked. Nevertheless, I put my full faith in John and this butterfly. Rightfully so, because the next day at practice his walks in with the most beautiful, bedazzled butterfly I had ever laid eyes on. It has been an ongoing joke ever since.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown your successor?
Those who know me, know I am probably the most sentimental/sappy individual you will ever meet. So, I was slightly (extremely) emotional as my year came to a close. I remember telling my mom how happy I was to be in a position to literally place this opportunity in the hands of another young lady. My successor was extremely worthy of this title! She did a great job representing our fabulous state.
Will we see you compete in another pageant in the near future?
No doubt! I plan to compete next year for Miss Oklahoma USA. It has been a long time coming, and I am SO ready to step back on the stage!! I can hardly contain my excitement writing this.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA ended?
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA certainly presented me with countless opportunities. Currently, I am taking full advantage of my pageant scholarship through Lindenwood University. I am majoring in Broadcast Journalism with an emphasis is Sports Broadcasting. Since my move to St. Louis, I have also become a member of the St. Louis Rams Cheerleading squad. When I am not on the sidelines, they have kept me busy in the community and abroad. The Rams have sent me to Hong Kong, London and Cancun. My role as a titleholder, has ultimately paved the way for these awesome opportunities to even exist. This title has been such a blessing!!
With all my love-
Taylor Gorton
Growing up, watching Miss USA and Miss Teen USA was treated like a national holiday at the Gorton household. My decision to compete was made far before I was even old enough. I knew I wanted to be apart of such a remarkable and credible organization. So, as soon as I turned 15… it was go time.
What was going through your head when you were called into the top 15 at the Miss Teen USA pageant?
I remember looking out into the audience, seeing my family spell out Oklahoma with obscenely large pink and zebra print letters. That moment was incredible. It reminded me of my purpose for being on stage. I wasn't there for self-gratification. I was there to represent myself, my family, and my state, in a positive and accurate light. It was definitely and "Ah Hah! Lightbulb!!" moment that I will never forget.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA?
Within that single year, I accrued memories that ranged from touching to hilarious, and everything in between. A story I frequently share, is how I ended up with a 3-dimensional butterfly on my evening gown. My director, John Vannatta, can visualize and design with the best of them. We had a "bedazzling" friendship to begin with, but this was icing on the cake. During a bootcamp in Kansas City, I received a call from John. He said he found a butterfly wall hanger at Hobby Lobby and thought it would be the perfect accent for my dress. With Miss Teen USA quickly approaching, I sort of panicked. Nevertheless, I put my full faith in John and this butterfly. Rightfully so, because the next day at practice his walks in with the most beautiful, bedazzled butterfly I had ever laid eyes on. It has been an ongoing joke ever since.
What emotions were you going through when it was time for you to crown your successor?
Those who know me, know I am probably the most sentimental/sappy individual you will ever meet. So, I was slightly (extremely) emotional as my year came to a close. I remember telling my mom how happy I was to be in a position to literally place this opportunity in the hands of another young lady. My successor was extremely worthy of this title! She did a great job representing our fabulous state.
Will we see you compete in another pageant in the near future?
No doubt! I plan to compete next year for Miss Oklahoma USA. It has been a long time coming, and I am SO ready to step back on the stage!! I can hardly contain my excitement writing this.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Oklahoma Teen USA ended?
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA certainly presented me with countless opportunities. Currently, I am taking full advantage of my pageant scholarship through Lindenwood University. I am majoring in Broadcast Journalism with an emphasis is Sports Broadcasting. Since my move to St. Louis, I have also become a member of the St. Louis Rams Cheerleading squad. When I am not on the sidelines, they have kept me busy in the community and abroad. The Rams have sent me to Hong Kong, London and Cancun. My role as a titleholder, has ultimately paved the way for these awesome opportunities to even exist. This title has been such a blessing!!
With all my love-
Taylor Gorton