Alabama won Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2022

Marcelle LeBlanc was crowned the 2022 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen at the end of the week-long competition at Universal Resorts in Orlando, Florida. Teens from 50 states and the District of Columbia competed in the five-day event. Last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LeBlanc was the 2020 Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen. The new Miss America’s Outstanding Teen was crowned by outgoing MAOTeen Payton May

The organization, on its Facebook page, said LeBlanc performed “On My Own” from the Broadway Classic Les Miserables during her talent presentation. She also developed the social impact initiative S.T.A.R.S. – Supporting the Arts Through Resources & Scholarships.

The Birmingham native is an actress whose film credits also include appearances in “Cobra Kai,” “Fear Street: Part Two – 1978,”, “Criminal Minds” and “Stranger Things.” She intends to continue her career as a professional actress while pursuing a degree in accountancy.

In addition to winning a $30,000 scholarship, LeBlanc was awarded $500 for top overall interview, and $500 for talent in preliminary competition, according to the organization.

The 2022 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen’s court includes :

1st runner-up – Miss Maryland’s Outstanding Teen Kate Wills

2nd runner-up – Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen Katherine Omo-Osagie

3rd runner-up – Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen Megan Wright

4th runner-up – Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Jamie Rose Chen

LeBlanc is the second Alabama teen in the past four years to win the contest. Jessica Baeder of Auburn was named Miss America’s Outstanding Teen for 2018, during a competition that took place in 2017. Alabama is one of only five states to have two winners of the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition. The competition began in 2005.