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Teresa Scanlan
Teresa Scanlan at AUSA convention.jpg
Teresa Scanlan at Association of the United States Army convention in 2011
Born (1993-02-06) February 6, 1993 (age 32)
Education UC Berkeley School of Law
Alma mater Gering High School
Scottsbluff High School
Patrick Henry College
Title Miss Southeast 2010
Miss Nebraska 2010
Miss America 2011
Miss Nebraska World 2015
Term January 15, 2011 – January 14, 2012
Predecessor Caressa Cameron
Successor Laura Kaeppeler
Spouse(s)
John Mocadlo
(m. 2015; div. 2016)
Children 1

Teresa Michelle Scanlan, born on February 6, 1993, is an American lawyer and a former beauty queen. She became famous when she won the title of Miss Nebraska in 2010. Later, she won Miss America 2011 when she was just 17 years old. This made her the youngest Miss America since 1937! Today, Teresa works as a business lawyer in Houston, Texas. She also serves as a staff sergeant in the Wyoming Air National Guard, helping with force support.

Teresa's Early Life and Education

Teresa Scanlan has a mixed background. Her father is from Ireland, and her mother's parents came to the United States from Ilovik, Croatia.

School Days

Teresa was taught at home for most of her school years. She attended Gering High School part-time for a short period. She finished high school early in 2010 by taking many classes. Teresa was even named a Salutatorian for her graduating class at Scottsbluff High School.

While in high school, Teresa enjoyed acting. She played the main role of Sharpay Evans in Disney's High School Musical Onstage. She also loved to sing in the choir and show choir, and she participated in speech events. After high school, she went on to study at Patrick Henry College.

Hobbies and Interests

Teresa has many hobbies! She loves to sing, act, and dance. She also plays the piano and guitar and enjoys writing her own songs. In her free time, she likes to bake and even makes clothes out of duct tape. She is also active in her local church.

Joining the Air National Guard

In 2018, Teresa announced that she had joined the Air National Guard. This is a part of the United States Air Force that helps protect the country. She joined as an Airman First Class while also studying law at UC Berkeley School of Law. She is now a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard in the 153rd Force Support Squadron. Teresa did very well in her basic combat training, finishing in the top 10% of her class.

Becoming a Lawyer

In 2021, Teresa graduated from UC Berkeley School of Law. After that, she started working as a business litigation attorney at a law firm called King & Spalding in Houston, Texas.

Teresa's Pageant Journey

Teresa Scanlan is well-known for her success in beauty pageants.

Winning Miss Nebraska

Teresa won the title of Miss Nebraska 2010 on June 5, 2010. She was crowned by the previous winner, Brittany Jeffers. Teresa's special cause, or "platform," for the pageant was "Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk." She chose this topic because a friend of hers struggled with bulimia. Teresa learned a lot about eating disorders and wanted to help others understand the signs and risks. She hoped to teach people where to get help for themselves or their loved ones.

For the talent part of the competition, Teresa played the piano. At just 17 years old, she was the youngest person ever to be crowned Miss Nebraska. After winning, she decided to take a year off from school to focus on her duties as Miss Nebraska. She planned to start college in the fall of 2011.

Becoming Miss America

Teresa represented Nebraska at the Miss America 2011 competition. This big event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2011. Her platform for the national pageant was also "Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk."

During the preliminary rounds, Teresa won the talent portion. She earned a $2,000 scholarship for her piano performance of a song called "White Water Chop Sticks."

On January 15, 2011, Teresa Scanlan won the title of Miss America 2011! She beat the first runner-up, Alyse Eady, who was Miss Arkansas 2010. Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, placed the crown on Teresa's head. This was a huge moment because Teresa was the first Miss Nebraska ever to win the Miss America title. She was also the youngest winner in 74 years! Along with the title, she received a $50,000 scholarship. Teresa was also the first person from Nebraska to win Miss America, Miss USA, or Miss Teen USA.

Teresa's Family Life

On September 6, 2015, Teresa married John Mocadlo. They had been engaged for eight months. John and Teresa both helped with the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, which is part of the Miss America program. In 2016, Teresa and John had a son.

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