New Albany student crowned Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen

MANSFIELD — Last year Madison DeFrank earned a first runner-up finish at Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen competition. On Wednesday night, nothing stopped her.

The 18-year-old New Albany student was crowned Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen from a field of 17 competitors at The Renaissance Theatre.

“It was crazy, I couldn’t believe it,” DeFrank said. “This has been a goal of mine for two years now.”

DeFrank won two events, including the interview and talent portions. She said she was excited for the talent segment, singing Rise Up by Andra Day.

“I’ve been performing that for two years, it’s my favorite song,” said DeFrank, Miss Shawnee’s Outstanding Teen.

She has auditioned for American Idol and The Voice, and hopes to be cast later this year. DeFrank said that’s her ambition, to work in the music industry, as a singer or an executive.

“If I can’t be the star, I want to work with the stars.”

She said she was nervous, but confident throughout the evening, and aced the interview by discussing her platform — Alzheimer’s Awareness-Save the Memories.

The senior-to-be at New Albany High School has a personal connection to the ailment, which affects her grandmother. DeFrank’s grandmother now lives in a care facility and that scenario has inspired her to raise awareness about a disease which affects 5.7 million people.

The first runner-up was Ava Marguerite Moore, Miss Miami Valley’s Outstanding Teen. She is a 17-year-old from Zanesville.

The second runner-up was Ava Nastasi, Miss Maple City’s Outstanding Teen. She is a 16-year-old from Shelby.

The third runner-up was Madison Yuzwa, Miss North Coast’s Outstanding Teen. She is a 16-year-old from Broadview Heights.

The fourth runner-up was Kylan Darnell, Miss Portsmouth’s Outstanding Teen. She is a 15-year-old from Franklin Furnace.

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