Annalee Story, originally from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, is a freshman at Auburn and the newest Miss Alabama Teen USA 2022.
47 contestants from the state of Alabama competed in the pageant, which was hosted in January 2021 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center.
The pageant consisted of three categories, including personal interviews, athletic wear and evening gown.
Story, who is majoring in nursing, did not grow up doing pageants and had only competed in two pageants before winning the crown for Miss Alabama Teen USA 2022.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it when I heard my name called and realized that I was the new Miss Alabama Teen USA,” Story said, “It was a dream and a goal that I have worked towards for several years now.”
Story said while there were several challenging components to the pageant, her favorite one is the personal interview category.
“I absolutely love speaking and encouraging young ladies everywhere on the importance of giving back in their community,” Story said. “My speaking and communication skills have benefited tremendously just from preparing for pageant interviews.”
However, the training doesn’t stop there. Story said not only does she mentally and emotionally train for the pageant, but she physically trains as well.
“I try to always maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out with a fitness instructor as well as having my mind at a healthy place is very important for the lifestyle and fitness portion of the pageant,” she said.
“Domestic violence is a very real situation, and my goal is to help young ladies everywhere never enter into an abusive relationship,” Story said. “I have already gotten acquainted with the director of the local domestic violence shelter here in Auburn and into serving locally.”
Story said that her personal platform for the pageant was domestic violence, which is a cause that she feels very passionate about.
In August, she will compete to become Miss Teen USA 2022.
“I am really looking forward to meeting the other 50 state titleholders,” Story said. “I am so honored to represent the great state of Alabama and am going to continue to work very hard to make Alabama proud.”
Story said her favorite part of being Miss Alabama Teen USA is serving her community and traveling across the state for speaking engagements.
“My purpose as Miss Alabama Teen USA is to leave a legacy of kindness, inclusion and service,” Story said.
Story said despite the business of traveling and serving her community, she still strives to make her education a priority and made the dean’s list last semester. And while she enjoys the perks of being Miss Alabama Teen USA, she said her heart is really in it to help others.
“I love encouraging young ladies across the state to get involved and give back to their community because nothing feels better than helping another in need,” Story said.
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Kara Mautz, senior in human development and family studies with a minor in journalism, is a culture writer at The Auburn Plainsman.
