Miss Missouri Teen USA Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff Crowned Miss Teen USA 2017

PHOENIX, July 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, The Miss Universe Organization crowned Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff from Kansas City, Missouri Miss Teen USA at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona. The competition streamed live to a worldwide audience on www.missteenusa.com. Fans were also able to watch via the official Miss Teen USA Facebook page where they were encouraged to submit final questions for the judges to ask during the competition. Additionally, for the first time ever, fans could experience the action live in 360 VR through Digital Domain.

Sophia graduated from high school a year early this past spring to start her undergraduate studies next fall at the University of Kansas.  With an interest for justice, the Kansas City native plans to attend law school and pursue a degree in Political Science and Ethics. Sophia created Community and Scholars Cooperatively (CASC), an organization focused on making community service opportunities fun and easy for teenagers. Growing up with a family member who has Down syndrome, Sophia dedicated her time to Best Buddies, The Down Syndrome Guild, and Vocational Services, Inc., among other organizations. Sophia's advocacy for those who are disabled led her to work alongside Missouri state legislators to create policies that provide them with the best quality care. In recognition of her efforts, Sophia was awarded the Gold Award, the highest achievement within Girl Scouts of the USA. 

Heidi Powell and Erin Lim hosted the competition with a special performance by Jorge Blanco. Judges Divya Gugnani, Kalani Hilliker, K. Lee Graham, Tamaya Petteway, and Syleste Rodriguez selected Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff from a group of ambitious and accomplished young women representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Contestants competed in three categories: active wear, evening gown and interview.  Miss Teen USA 2016 Karlie Hay from Texas crowned the winner. 

Final Results:                     

First Runner-Up:             Miss Oregon Teen USA Vanessa Matheson

Second Runner-Up:       Miss Nevada Teen USA Alexis Smith 

Third Runner-Up:            Miss Indiana Teen USA Paige Robinson

Fourth Runner-Up:         Miss California Teen USA Jaanu Patel

Top Five:                           Miss Oregon Teen USA Vanessa Matheson; Miss Nevada Teen USA Alexis
                                             Smith; Miss California Teen USA Jaanu Patel; Miss Indiana Teen USA Paige
                                             Robinson; Miss Missouri Teen USA Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff

Top Fifteen:                       Miss Texas Teen USA Kirby Lindley; Miss Maryland Teen USA Taylor Spruill;
                                             Miss West Virginia Teen USA Olivia Hutchison; Miss Oklahoma Teen USA
                                             Baylee Ogle; Miss Nevada Teen USA Alexis Smith; Miss Missouri Teen USA
                                             Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff; Miss Utah Teen USA Rachel Bell; Miss Wyoming
                                             Teen USA Autumn Schieferstein; Miss New York Teen USA Isabella Griffith;
                                             Miss Iowa Teen USA Carley Arnold; Miss Oregon Teen USA Vanessa
                                             Matheson; Miss Indiana Teen USA Paige Robinson; Miss Vermont Teen USA
                                             Kelsey Golonka; Miss Arizona Teen USA Karlina Riggs; Miss California Teen
                                             USA Jaanu Patel

The Miss Teen USA prize package includes a scholarship for continued education; a one-year supply of assorted haircare products and tools from Farouk Systems the Makers of CHI & Biosilk; a formal wardrobe by Sherri Hill; personal health and beauty services; a modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographers; and professional representation by The Miss Universe Organization.    

About The Miss Universe Organization

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best.  MUO believes that every woman should be "Confidently Beautiful." The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® competitions provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, titleholders are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, please visit: www.missteenusa.com.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions.

For more information, visit: www.missteenusa.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissTeenUSA;
Twitter and Instagram: @MissTeenUSA #MissTeenUSA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/missteenusa.

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SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization