Coronado’s very own Taylor Nelson, the current Miss Teen Coronado USA, will soon be representing the Crown City at the 2014 Miss California Teen USA Pageant. She will be the very first Miss Teen Coronado to compete in this highly anticipated event that will take place on January 2 – 4 at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA. Taylor is 17 and a Senior at Coronado High School. She won the title of Miss Teen Coronado USA this past May at the Coronado High School Theater and has been enjoying every moment of her post so far.
I met with the lovely young lady at Cafe 1134 this past week and was impressed with her poise and maturity. The time flew by as we discussed her Coronado story, pageant history, and hopes and dreams for the future.
Taylor is from a military family and has lived in Coronado for the past six years; prior to that, the family was based in Virginia. Her younger brother Cade is one of her biggest fans: he attends every pageant event and is always there to cheer her on and offer support alongside her parents. Support extends even further, as evidenced by the fact that Taylor’s extended family will come together from all across the country to watch her compete in January, with members traveling from as far away as Virginia and North Carolina. She will also be joined by Marty Brooks, one of her coaches and the director of the Miss Coronado Pageants.
Prior to winning Miss Teen Coronado, Taylor participated in two previous Miss Teen Coronado Pageants, winning the title of Princess both years. She is a statuesque beauty with an impressive stage presence at 5’9″ 1/2, further enhanced by towering 6 inch heels when competing. Ever since her first taste of pageant life two years ago, she fell in love with the experience. She loves getting “dolled up” and meeting new people, as well as having the support of great sponsors, family, and friends who have backed her every step of the way. The community has really come together to aid Taylor’s quest with countless Coronado businesses and organizations stepping in to provide her with donated services and encouragement.
Taylor loves to hang out at the Coronado Ferry Landing and relax at the beach with friends. Her favorite place to eat in town is Tartine. She also enjoys doing Crossfit to stay physically fit and bathing suit ready. The self proclaimed “science geek” hopes to attend UCSD next fall and study biology with a focus on biomedical sciences. Her future plans are to get a good degree, “do something she loves” and eventually start a family of her own.
Taylor Nelson (Photo Credit: Silent Stories Photography)
To help fund her college experience, Taylor hopes to “model her way through college” and continue to model professionally after graduation. As Miss Teen Coronado USA she has already received numerous offers from modeling agencies across the United States. While she was in Long Beach for the Miss California Teen USA orientation at the beginning of November, she was approached by a representative from LA Models, the largest modeling agency on the West Coast. She can’t wait to pursue her dream and expand her modeling career.
As Miss Teen Coronado USA, Taylor acts as a goodwill ambassador for the City of Coronado, attending business openings and ribbon cuttings with the mayor, representing Coronado in and around greater San Diego and being in attendance at many major Coronado events. She loves to connect with all parts of the community. Some of the highlights of her term so far have been: participating in Fashion Week San Diego, attending the Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas and riding in the famous Coronado 4th of July Parade with the current Miss Coronado, Dana Hutchinson. Next month, she will participate in the Coronado Christmas Parade. Be sure to keep an eye out for her and cheer her along!
Taylor’s experiences with the Miss Teen Coronado Pageant have taught her many helpful skills, including interview techniques, effective public speaking and self confidence. She believes that participation in pageants allows young women to make a positive impact on the world while preparing themselves for the future. They become positive role models for everyone and give younger generations someone to look up to. Taylor explained to me that anyone can take part in a pageant. You just need to have confidence and look at it as a fun experience. There are no “cookie cutter queens” she remarks. For those interested in competing in the next Miss Coronado, Miss Teen Coronado, or Little Miss and Mister Pageant please visit the official Miss Coronado Website or contact the pageant director at [email protected].
Taylor Nelson on Coronado Beach
Marty Brooks, Taylor’s Coach and Miss Coronado Pageant Director, shared these thoughts with me:
“I am thrilled to be working with two wonderful goodwill ambassadors for the City of Coronado-Taylor Nelson, Miss Teen Coronado and Dana Hutchison, Miss Coronado. The Miss California USA & Teen USA Pageant is a springboard of opportunities including LA Models recruiting Taylor and Disney Casting Company’s interest in Dana. The city, chamber and local businesses have rallied around these young women and their endeavor to win the state crown. Pretty Please and MJ Brown dressed the girls, Coronado Bliss does their hair and make-up, the Chamber paid the entry fee, Coronado Officer’s Association contributed and the community has helped fund their competition wardrobe. Taylor and Dana will compete at state in January and then pass on the Miss Coronado and Miss Teen Coronado crowns to two lucky young women on March 15, 2014 at Coronado High School.”
The community is invited to attend the big event in Long Beach and cheer our very own Miss Teen Coronado on. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at Ticketmaster (or in person at the Terrace Theater Box Office). The event will showcase close to 400 contestants and the competition will take place across multiple days culminating in the final coronation show on Saturday, January 4th at 4pm. If you are unable to attend in person, the pageant will be streamed live online at pageantvision.com.
If you are interested in supporting Taylor and helping her in her journey to Miss California Teen USA please visit her Go Fund Me page to make a donation.
She also invites everyone to follow her journey by “liking” her facebook page at Miss Teen Coronado (Please help her reach and exceed 300 followers!) and add her on Instagram at Miss Teen Coronado.
Please join me in congratulating Taylor Nelson on her accomplishments so far and wishing her all the best in the upcoming Miss California Teen Pageant and beyond!
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Anne Covington Morse
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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