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Miss USA

Presly Pedigo wants to teach teenagers the importance to Honor Those Who Served

The Fourth of July celebrates the birth of the United States as a country. Yet teenagers who have enjoyed its rights and privileges seldom understand what it takes for a country to become and remain an independent nation. A recent poll states that only 35 percent of millennials are patriotic. That's why Presly Pedigo, has started a nonprofit organization called "Freedom Fighters. "I help instill respect for our country’s service men and women in young kids. I work closely with my local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter) for community service as well." she explained.

Who is Presly Pedigo ? She is a junior in High School and she's involved with student council, FCCLA, and BETA. She was her sophomore class president, and she plans to run again for office in the fall. She is dually enrolled in college, and she takes pride in her academics. In her spare time she loves to travel, paddle board, and hang out with her friends.

Presly will have the opportunity to compete at the 2018 Miss Tennessee Teen USA Pageant in October. Tennessee is among the most successful states at Miss Teen USA in terms of number and value of placements. In the 1990s, they were placed first. They have the third (equal) highest number of semi-finalist (or better) placings and are one of only five states to have received more than three awards. Additionally, Tennessee is one of only three states (the other two being Oregon and Texas) to have won the Miss Teen USA title more than once.

I had the opportunity to interview Presly about her preparation for the pageant. I appreciate her sharing her story. I hope you will enjoy this interview!


You will compete at the Miss Tennessee Teen USA Pageant. How will you prepare the contest ?

I’m so excited to get the opportunity to compete in the Tennessee Teen USA pageant! I am making sure I am physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to compete for this coveted title. I am maintaining a healthy lifestyle in preparation for the activewear portion of competition. Since I represent my city, I am making sure I am active in my community!

What does it feel like to be a beauty queen and wear a crown?

The crown makes you a public figure and it gives you leverage to make a difference. Holding a title is a very humbling experience; you learn a lot and you grow. You gain so many amazing opportunities and experiences. Being able to get out in my community and meet so many different kinds of people just as a local titleholder is a snippet of what the new Tennessee Teen USA would do!

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What would you advise any young girl out there who has a dream of being a queen one day?

The possibilities are endless so always act on your dreams! There is nothing one can’t do with hard work and perseverance. I never thought I would be where I am today, so that only shows you never know what life has in store for you!

Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?

Of course I have! Any pageant girl can tell you that she has experienced more losses than wins. This is perfectly okay! As humans we grow and learn from our experiences, and to me, the failures are what makes me work harder towards success. 

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We’ve all seen the stereotypical portrayals of pageant contestants, a la Miss Congeniality, spreading peace, love and beauty throughout the world. How do you think you'll make a difference ?

I currently am making a difference by being leading by example in my community. Always being selfless and having a positive attitude will hopefully rub off on others. We can always wish for perfect days like April 25th or complete “world peace”, but it’s up to you to do what you can to make a difference in the world. 

What inspired you to walk on the course of beauty pageants? 

I have a cousin who competed in pageants as she grew up, so it had always been something my family had wished for me to do. It seemed completely out of my comfort zone, but one day in the summer before freshmen year I decided I should give it a try. Here I am three years later about to compete for my dream job- crazy right?

Your favorite beauty queen ?

Someone I look up to now and during her reign is Pia Wurtzbach. She reigned with grace and such a large heart! 

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Thanks to the beautiful Presly for the interview. Pageants News wishes you all the very best for Miss Tennessee Teen USA pageant.