Teresa Scanlan was born on June 2, 1993, in Colton, California. She was raised in Gering, Nebraska, where she received home-schooling up until her junior year of high school. At that time, she transferred to Scottsbluff High School to finish her education.
In 2010, Teresa won the title of Miss Nebraska, which paved the way for her to compete in the Miss America pageant the following year. At just 17 years old, she made history by becoming the youngest Miss America winner since 1937. Teresa's platform in the pageants focused on raising awareness of eating disorders, a cause that was close to her heart.
After winning the prestigious title of Miss America, Teresa Scanlan became a well-known figure in the pageant world. She used her platform to advocate for important issues and inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
Teresa comes from a close-knit family with Croatian heritage. Her grandparents, Frank and Nives Jelich, immigrated to the United States, instilling in Teresa a strong sense of cultural pride. Despite her early success in the world of pageantry, Teresa remains humble and grounded, cherishing the support of her family throughout her journey.
As one of the youngest Miss America winners in history, Teresa Scanlan has left a lasting impact on the pageant world. Her dedication to her platform and commitment to making a difference have inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and stand up for worthy causes.
While Teresa's reign as Miss America may have come to an end, her influence continues to resonate with audiences around the world. She is a shining example of grace, resilience, and unwavering determination, serving as an inspiration to future generations of young women.