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She just may be the “Cinderella story” of the 2016 Miss Teen USA pageant.
Christiaan Prince, 15, of Grayson was surrounded by friends and family Saturday as she prepared to hit the road to Las Vegas for the July 29 and 30 competition, which can be viewed online at missteenusa.com.
“I'm excited but I just want it to be over with,” she said with a smile as guests continued to arrive for the sendoff party.
A newcomer to the pageant world, Prince was crowned Miss Kentucky Teen USA at the end of the first competition she had ever entered.
She has since been caught up in a whirlwind tour with many miles on the road alongside her mother. She has also embraced a daily schedule and diet program that required several changes in her lifestyle.
“Food wise, yes, it has been a lifestyle change. Food is very minimal, but I get to eat cake tonight! My trainer has to watch me eat cake,” she said with a chuckle.
“I like food. I like to eat. Everything goes straight to my stomach,” she said, explaining much of her workout program has focused on the belly area. Her weight has gone from 150 pounds to about 138, she said, noting she has gained considerable muscle mass and tone along the way.
Prince said her pageant goals are lofty, although ambitious.
“I want to make Top 15. That's a big accomplishment,” she said.
“After the pageant, if I don't win I just want to go to school, hang out with my friends, continue to eat healthy and pursue my modeling and acting career.”
Prince said she's definitely learned and grown from her experience as Miss Kentucky Teen USA.
While she isn't sure how the judges will rate her, she feels good about her plan to “just be myself” during the pageant in Las Vegas.
“I've become very talkative with people and very confident with interview and with stage,” she said, giggling as she predicts she will “get there and start second guessing myself.”
While her mother has been at her side during the entire journey, Prince will be on her own behind the scenes at the Miss Teen USA pageant, and her wardrobe remains a mystery.
“I'm taking six cases of luggage so I don't know what I'm wearing,” she said, explaining at least 20 supporters from Kentucky, as well as her best friend from California, will be at the pageant although unable to guide her. “I have to do all of my own hair and makeup and everything. You are completely on your own.”
Supporters can continue to vote for Prince at tkop.org.
http://www.journal-times.com/news/local_news/on-her-way-to-miss-teen-usa/article_710a2326-4e7d-11e6-858e-2baa4442795d.html