By Marilyn Miller

After winning the Miss America Teen Louisiana Pageant in April, Ava Martin had a lot of advice for those competing in all pageants, especially national competitions.

“When you get to a State or National pageant, everybody is qualified, can be a great titleholder…it just depends on who the judges pick. It’s all subjective. You just have to surround yourself with the incredible girls and have fun.”

“You may not win, but you never lose,” Ava added, explaining that the exposure to skills like dressing for life (job interviews), learning who you are, preparation for life…communication skills, and exposure to people in all walks of life (who can offer internships) is incredible.”

Ava is now in West Palm Beach, FL, where she is competing for the Miss America Teen 2027 title. The Minden coed hopes she can continue to have the “peace and calm” she experienced in the Louisiana pageant, which she entered as winner of the Miss Union Parish Teen 2026 Pageant in July 2025,

Girls from all across the United States are competing for the National teen title, which is a stairway to the Miss America Pageant for those who are interested. Preliminary competition begins Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Ava will perform a modern dance routine as her talent in the preliminary competition on Sept. 3. She will also compete in evening gown, fitness and on-stage questioning. The Miss America Teen final competition and crowning will take place Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Ava is the daughter of Devin and  Jodie Martin of Minden.

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