Ashley Wang, an Oakton High School sophomore from Herndon, made history as the first Chinese American and only the second Asian American to win the Miss Virginia Teen USA competition.
Wang was crowned at the Miss Virginia Teen USA pageant on April 30 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The pageant is judged based on an evening gown competition, an activewear competition (instead of a swimsuit competition), and interviews with the judges.
Hannah Grau, the 2022 winner, presented her with the sash and crown.
Wang aspires to study biochemistry and become a cosmetic chemist. She is a competitive dancer who has been part of two nationally ranked dance teams. Her motto is “B.E.S.T.”, which stands for “Better every single time.”
“She is a proud Chinese American who loves to embrace her culture,” Fairfax County Public Schools said in a Facebook post. “One of her favorite aspects of her culture is Chinese folklore.”
FCPS said that Wang is, “spreading a message of self-love and encouraging everyone to embrace the unique qualities that make them different.”
“My focus is on reminding everyone that we should prioritize progression over perfection,” Wang said on the Miss Virginia Teen USA website. “I hope to inspire young people to believe in themselves and their dreams and to always stay true to who they are.”
Wang now goes on to represent Virginia in the Miss Teen USA pageant.
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Public Schools
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