by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Watertown’s Monica Fenwick is the new Miss Connecticut. The annual competition, which is a precursor to Miss America, was held Saturday night.
Camryn Patton of Bristol was selected as Miss Connecticut’s Teen at the event, which was held at Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield.
Fenwick, who was first runner-up last year and was competing for the fifth time for the title, was one of five women competing this year. Danielle Sturgeon of Hartford was first runner-up.
“I am at a total loss of words right now,” said Fenwick as she waited to have her photograph taken with her family after the crowning. “I’m Miss Connecticut 2024. And I’m so proud to say that.”
Fenwick was a clear favorite with the crowd on Saturday night. The loudest cheers of the night came whenever she took the stage or her name was announced.
Fenwick, who holds a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree from Assumption University, also won the Overall Talent award. She performed a flute solo of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
Now that she has won the title she has sought for the past few years, Fenwick was asked, what’s next?
“I guess I’m starting to plan for Miss America, which is really exciting and something I never thought I’d ever say, so that’s definitely something I’m excited for,” said Fenwick. “But also (I’m looking forward to) just really spreading my community service initiation to the next level.”
An elementary school speech pathologist, Fenwick intends to spread awareness about communication disorders.
As for what she liked about the experience of competing once again for Miss Connecticut this year, Fenwick said, “The best part was just spending it with the girls that were surrounding me.”
Pausing from the post-competition photographs, Patton said, “I am just so in shock (about winning), this is all so surreal.”
Patton, whose first runner-up was Waterbury’s Jaidalynn Alicea, said she did not think she was doing well enough to win it all on Saturday.
“I really was backstage kind of preparing myself for any outcome. I was just in a mindset of whatever happens it’s happening for a reason,” said Patton, who was one of eight teens competing in Ridgefield.
So, what’s next for Patton?
“Of course, the (Miss America’s Teen) competition. But most of all, (I’m looking forward to) just being able to spread mental health awareness within the fine arts community throughout Connecticut (which is my community service initiative).”
“(My initiative is about) spreading mental health awareness throughout the fine arts community in Connecticut,” Patton, who danced in the talent portion of Saturday’s proceedings, explained. “I chose it because I grew up with singing, dancing, theater programs. And I’ve really seen a need. There’s been a really big stigma around mental health awareness. And I’m ready to be the one to change it.”
The dates and the locations for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitions have not been announced.
