Connecticut crowns two new beauty queens

Sylvana Maria González of New Britain was crowned Miss Connecticut 2022 during the pageant, held on April 10, 2022 at the Cabaret Theater at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. In addition, Peyton Troth of Bristol was named Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2022.

The competition is sponsored by Miss CT Scholarship Organization, Inc., a nonprofit scholarship program for women. Approximately $25,000 in scholarships were awarded to participants during the competition which involved 11 contestants for Miss Connecticut and six for Outstanding Teen.Both winners will receive in-kind donations to support their year of service advocating for numerous charitable causes across the state.Kara Mitchell, president of The Miss CT Scholarship Organization’s board of directors said: “The cost of higher education continues to rise and we’re proud to continue to provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to the candidates in our program. The mission of the Miss America Organization is to prepare great women for the world and prepare the world for great women. We hold that mission in high regard as an organization, and know our new titleholders will make a positive impact on the State of Connecticut throughout their year of service.”

Miss Connecticut 2022

González, 24, who served as Miss Farmington, was her fifth attempt at the crown. Although the title took some time to come into her possession, Gonzalez said she has grown as a person since she first tried to be the state’s representative to Miss America. “I always said every year that I stepped on the stage I grew to be a stronger and more empowered self than the year before… Every year you should grow whether you’ve won or not. (My participation in the competition) was about what impact (I) could make on the world. And every year has been monumental.” The 24-year-old will now compete at the 101st Miss America Competition scheduled for December at the Mohegan Sun. She received a $10,000 scholarship for her Connecticut title win.

Her Social Impact Initiative is “With Heart: Redressing the Run of Abuse” about addresses domestic abuse. Gonzalez has spoken openly about how she is a survivor of domestic abuse. To those experiencing domestic violence, Gonzalez said, “I would just encourage them to find their community of people who can help rebuild them, to get them back on their feet and build them back to the woman (or man) they are supposed to be. They are worthy of a beautiful life.”

Her talent was a Latin jazz routine.

Still wiping away her tears of joy after having won, when asked how she was feeling about having one, Gonzalez replied, “Oh, my God. Blessed. Blessed.” As her year as Miss Connecticut begins, Gonzales said she is looking forward to “talking to people. I can’t wait to talk to people about my social impact (focus) and I can’t wait to go back  into schools to just serve this organization and give back to them everything they gave to me.”

The top five for Miss Connecticut was rounded out by first runner-up Miss Greater Waterbury Leah Juliette of Wolcott, second runner up Miss Wolcott Laura Christie, third runner-up Miss New Hartford Olivia Carlson and fourth runner-up Miss Farmingbury Ashlyn Mercier.

Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2022

Troth, 14, who served as Miss Hartford County’s Outstanding Teen, will go on to compete for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen this summer in Florida. She won a $2,500 scholarship. Her Social Impact Initiative is “Peyton’s Promise Education Initiative,” and her talent was a rhythmic tap dance.

As soon as Troth was born, she found herself a focus on the stage of the Miss Connecticut’s stage. Her mother, Nakiya Troth had run the Miss Connecticut’s Princess (and Prince) program to introduce the Miss Connecticut program to a new generation. Her mother later became executive director of Miss Connecticut.

“The first time I came out on the Miss Connecticut stage, I was in a bunny costume. Now I’m in a dress with sash on. So, it’s absolutely amazing,” said the Bristol teen. “I know my little me is in awe,” said Troth.

As her year as Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen begins, Troth said she will be introducing the state to her Social Impact Initiative is “Peyton’s Promise Education Initiative,” a nonprofit that she runs. “I give essential learning tools to kids across Connecticut. So, throughout the year, I’m going to make sure that kids are getting the tools they need to get the education they truly deserve.”

Troth said she is looking forward to going to compete at the national competition. “Miss America’s Outstanding Teen is my absolute dream. I wanted to compete ever since I was younger.” More importantly, said Troth, “I’m really excited to spend the year with Sylvana (Gonzalez).”

First runner-up for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen was Miss New Haven County’s Outstanding Teen Grace Kelly.