Miss America's Outstanding Teen
2009 - Taylor Hannah Fitch
Taylor Fitch Bio
A life-changing moment occurred when 17-year-old
Taylor Fitch heard her name called as Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009. The
“little sister” to the Miss America Scholarship Organization, this
not-for-profit program has made available more than $2 million in college
scholarships nationally to young women from 13 to 17 years of age. The title has
given Taylor a nationwide vehicle to promote causes that are important to her.
This year, Taylor will travel the country not only representing the
organization, but her platform “Overcoming Physical Challenges: Heart, Mind and
Hands.”
Inspired by her mother's career as a Pediatric
Physical Therapist, Taylor wanted to get involved with helping children with
special needs. Taylor believes “that every child has a dream and aspirations no
matter their physical state but unfortunately, in today’s society, this utopian
idea is not often tangible”, said Taylor so she works to speak out and speak up
about special needs children, emphasizing their assets to society. Merging three
key factors to achieving ultimate success, Taylor encourages society to love
these children (Heart); to believe in them and their capabilities (Mind); and to
personally become involved in their lives (Hands).
Combining her love for running and community service, Taylor has encouraged
numerous 5K race organizers to allow children with special needs to be included
as race participants. She’s developed Taylor’s Team and invites all to join in
the fun!
Representing the state of South Carolina, Taylor
Fitch won more than $30,000 in college scholarships at the MAOT Competition in
August 2008. She also received the academic award earning her additional
scholarships.
She plans to pursue a degree in forensic pathology
upon completing high school in 2009. She’s already taken a step in the right
direction by participating in school science fairs. In May 2008, Taylor competed
against 1,500 students from 51 different countries in the Intel International
Science fair with her project “Aim to Write”, focusing on the correlation of
hand-eye coordination and handwriting skills. She placed fourth in the
Behavioral and Social Sciences category.
Currently a senior in high school, Taylor is very
involved in her school and community. She is a member of her highschool’s
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team, Junior Civitans, National
Honor Society, Senior Beta Club, Peer Assisted Learning Tutoring program,
Student Council, Junior Leadership of Anderson, and the Senior Competitive Team
at Dancer’s Edge. Taylor has been dancing since she was three years old.
Photo:
Courtesy of the Miss America Organization / MAOT
