By Sora Park
On August 5, senior Carly Peeters took home the crown at the 2017 Miss Teen International Beauty Pageant, which is aimed at showcasing teenagers and their accomplishments from countries around the world.
Representing California, Peeters competed against 30 other contestants in four selective rounds: Interview, accounted Fitness-wear, Evening Gown, and Fun Fashion.
The Interview section consisted of 30 second presentations, in which contestants would introduce their platforms and the way they would utilize their “Miss Teen International’’ title to further expand those platforms.
Peeters discussed her literacy campaign, Literally Literacy, and the organizations she is partnered with.
“I was already working with Jumpstart, a national literacy non-profit, prior to the pageant, but after winning I began to work with BuildOn and Yellow Boat of Hope, which are both international organizations. Yellow Boat of Hope provides boats to children living on remote islands in the Philippines so they do not have to swim to school, and BuildOn raises funds to help build schools in third world countries,” Peeters said.
Peeters’ journey to Miss Teen International began with her victory as Miss West Coast Teen. This led her to the state level, where she won Miss Teen California International. Two months later, she competed at Miss Teen International and emerged as the winner. During her time as Miss West Coast Teen, she launched her platform, Literally Literacy.
Peeters will continue to work with these organizations during her reign as Miss Teen International and promises to grow Literally Literacy on an international scale.
The Miss Teen International program began thirty years ago with the Mrs. International Beauty Pageant, which sought to give married women the opportunity to become active role models for young girls. Since then, two separate pageants, Miss International and Miss Teen International, have been established.
The Mrs., Miss, and Miss Teen International pageants strive to change the stigmas surrounding beauty pageants. Contestants have been evaluated on the basis of the quality and impact of their charitable work, in addition to traditional criteria.
“Pageants made me realize there is so much we can do to better our communities, and I discovered a cause that I am truly passionate about. I have been able to work with various organizations with my different titles, allowing me to use the opportunities and resources I’m blessed with to give back,” Peeters said.
The Plaid Press 