Ahead of the Miss USA crowning, over the weekend Hailey Colborn of Kansas was crowned Miss Teen USA. She will study at Princeton University this fall. Details follow:
SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La., May 21, 2018 -- The Miss Universe Organization has crowned Hailey Colborn as Miss Teen USA 2018 at George's Pond, Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana. The event, which took place on Friday, May 18, featured young women representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Hailey is a 17-year-old high school senior with a 4.0 GPA who will attend Princeton University this fall. The Wichita native plans to pursue a career as a political strategist and hopes to run for office one day. As a classically trained ballet dancer, Hailey started a mentorship program, SelfPosi, which teaches young women about the importance of self-love encouraged by her own experiences.
Contestants competed in Athletic Wear, Evening Gown, Final Question and Final Look. Sophia-Dominguez-Heithoff crowned Hailey her successor at the conclusion of the annual event.
The Miss Teen USA selection committee who determined this year's winner included:
- Brittney Rogers Collins, Miss Louisiana USA 2003; board member for Renee's Run, a non-profit organization committed to raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and treatment.
- Ashley Fox, Award-winning sports journalist and analyst; former NFL reporter and columnist for ESPN, Sports Illustrated and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Kalani Hilliker, Television star from DANCE MOMS, judge of TV show THE LOOK, model, author, designer and actress.
- Bia Roldan, Multi-media journalist and news reporter for KTBS in Shreveport.
- Crystle Stewart Sebrechts, Television host, model and actress; founder of MISS Academy (Manners, Image, Style, and Success), an organization committed to translating traditional values through pop culture; Miss USA 2008.
- Marta Topran, Beauty Director at Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and Women's Health magazines; specializes in creating content for and connecting with Millennial and Gen Z women and teens across America.
Final Results:
First Runner-Up: Miss South Carolina Teen USA Kirby Elizabeth Self
Second Runner-Up: Miss Colorado Teen USA Chloe Zambrano
Third Runner-Up: Miss Illinois Teen USA Sydni-Dion Bennett
Second Runner-Up: Miss Colorado Teen USA Chloe Zambrano
Third Runner-Up: Miss Illinois Teen USA Sydni-Dion Bennett
Top Five: Miss Colorado Teen USA Chloe Zambrano; Miss North Carolina Teen USA Kaaviya Sambasivam; Miss South Carolina Teen USA Kirby Elizabeth Self; Miss Kansas Teen USA Hailey Colborn; Miss Illinois Teen USA Sydni-Dion Bennett
For the first time ever, MISS TEEN USA® took place days prior to the 2018 MISS USA® Competition, which will air on Monday, May 21 at 8 p.m. ET, live on FOX. Vanessa and Nick Lachey will host, Carson Kressley and Lu Sierra will serve as competition insiders, and 98° and Lee Brice are set to perform. Miss USA will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of accomplished female entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts, including former Miss USA contestants. In the lead-up, fans have been voting for their favorite contestant to advance into the semifinals and will again be able to vote during the live broadcast. The two-hour event will conclude with Miss USA 2017 Kára McCullough crowning her successor, chosen from representatives of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.