Since 1921, families all across the USA have tuned in every year to watch young women compete for the highly coveted Miss America crown. In 2005, Miss Americas Teen was founded, for young girls 13-18 years old, adding more competition and fun to screens across the country.
Miss America’s Teen 2025 was even more special. Mallory Jones, a GRC senior, took the stage in Orlando as Miss Kentuckys Teen. Just making it there is truly such an accomplishment.
Miss Americas Teen delegates compete in five categories: talent, evening gown, interview, on stage question, and physical fitness. Some even compete in certain categories more than once if they advance to the next round. But, there’s more work than what you see on stage.
Mallory has been working since the start of her pageant career on her community service initiative, “Be Smart. Love Your Heart!”
“In 2021, I was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease and underwent heart surgery. I realized the life saving work of the American Heart Association, so I began volunteering and advocating for them. I took it a step further by launching Be Smart. Love Your Heart!” she says. “When I started pageants after that, it was perfect that I already had the initiative up and running.”
She educates on heart disease, fundraises for the American Heart Association, and volunteers all across Kentucky to advocate for change. Every Sunday she posts “Be Smart Sunday”, and uses social media to educate others.
Mallory had the opportunity to talk about her CSI during her on stage question. Her personal experience with heart conditions gave her an edge in this answer. She explained that her own diagnosis gave her “a story and a mission”.
While on stage and interview questions tell a judge a lot about someone’s morals and personality, Mallorys favorite phase of competition is talent. She performed a rendition of “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, which she also competed to win Miss Kentuckys Teen.
“It was such a cool opportunity to perform on the Miss America Stage and represent my home state with a song that was so perfect to reflect my love of Kentucky,” says Mallory.
Miss America isn’t all about competition though. Sisterhood is such an important pillar of the Miss America purpose. These girls spent all week practicing together, forming bonds, and inspiring each other.
“It’s so cool to say that I have a friend in every single state,” she says. “We created the best memories during the long days of rehearsals and late nights. I am so grateful to have made those lifelong relationships.”
While a big part of pageantry is being poised and disciplined, Mallory had the opportunity to let loose and have some fun with her new friends. The teens got a day to go to Universal together, making memories to last a lifetime.
Miss America is only a dream to so many, and in the world of pageantry, competing there is the highest honor.
“I worked incredibly hard for years to end up on that stage and to actually have that dream come true felt so surreal,” she says. “It was an honor to represent Kentucky and I am forever grateful for the experience.”
Mallory returned back to Kentucky, ready to represent the bluegrass until June. She will continue to go to events, serve the communities, and educate the world on the cause close to her heart. And Kentucky is incredibly lucky to have her back.
During the entire experience, she was poised, beautiful, intelligent, and talented. But more than anything, she was Mallory. That alone is worth more than any crown.
