In 2007, Wood River High School student Kylee Richmond, now 15, was named Miss Teen of Idaho. Now she's number three in the country.
For a year she did her schoolwork and practiced piano, a talent that helped her win the Idaho title. A volunteer for such organizations as Sun Valley Adaptive Sports and 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, she already has a bronze Congressional Award for community service and is now working on earning her silver.
To participate in the Miss Teen of America she wrote an essay and filled out a lengthy application. Then when accepted she put together a video presentation that included a motivational speech, an introduction of herself, family, activities and home, and answered judge's questions.
Over Thanksgiving weekend she and her family headed for the national competition in Austin, Texas.
Founded in 1983, Miss Teen of America Program is a scholarship and recognition pageant for young women as well as a fellowship and social development experience. Not a beauty pageant, it's meant instead to promote the positive qualities among today's youth. It's not to be confused with Miss Teen USA or Miss Teen America, which is part of the Miss America program.
In Austin, Kylee watched as her fellow contestant, Miss Teen of New York Carlene Miller, received the highest medal, and then celebrated when she was named third alternate in the country.
"The experience in general was great," Kylee said. "I got to meet girls from all over the country that I wouldn't have met otherwise. Hopefully a few years down the road we'll get together again. The program wants to see that we're succeeding and doing something with our lives."
Born in Boise, Kylee has lived in Hailey for 14 years. She is the daughter of Karee and Tommy Richmond, and sister to younger brother Cody.
After graduating from Wood River High School in 2011, she intends to go to college to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Kylee Richmond was recently honored at the Miss Teen of America Pageant.
