Choto’s own crowned: Allen Miss Teen TN USA
She was crowned Saturday, March 11, in Clarksville, competing against 25 candidates from across the state.
“It’s so crazy,” she said. “I never expected it, but I am so excited for it.”
Allen has only been competing in pageants for a little more than two years. Previously named “America’s Ideal Miss Tennessee Teen,” this was her second time participating in Miss Teen Tennessee USA pageant.
“Last year I was second-runner up, and I just decided I would work harder and compete again this year,” Allen said. “I started working with coaches and I revamped what I wanted to focus on.
“When I first started out, I was like ‘Bambi,’ just wobbling around and unsure,” she added. “But I just kept working hard to overcome my nervousness and became much more confident.”
She trained with Farragut High School football and track coach Vic Wharton, and said she received “some very good advice” from others along the way — including not changing her naturally curly hair, and to focus on her own capabilities and attributes.
“You can’t change who you are, but you might as well be the best version of who you are,” she said. “That can take you a long way.”
Allen will be competing later this year for Miss Teen USA at a date and location to be determined. She also will be making many local and state-wide appearances in her new role, as she has adopted teen mental health as her focus.
“It is a problem of epidemic proportions,” Allen said. “I know people who struggle with it, and I want to spread awareness about how to find help.”
