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Miss Teen Ohio wants to lead by example

Miami University freshman Jessica Byington was crowned Miss Teen Ohio International on May 17. She plans to use her year as Miss Teen Ohio to call attention to the issue of dyslexia.

Contributed photo Miami University freshman Jessica Byington was crowned Miss Teen Ohio International on May 17. She plans to use her year as Miss Teen Ohio to call attention to the issue of dyslexia.

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By Lauren Schwab, Contributing Writer Updated 4:50 PM Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A Miami University freshman crowned the new Miss Teen Ohio International 2009 hopes to use the platform to lead by example.

Jessica Byington, of Indian Hill, swept every category from Best in Fashion to the Miss Congeniality award and ended by winning the crown.

“I am a very confident person and wanted the judges to see the real me. I was myself and had fun,” Byington said.

Delegates from across the state competed in interview, physical fitness, fashion wear and evening gown competitions through competition, which culminated May 17.

Byington, 17 and carrying a 4.0 GPA at Miami, was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 7. She plans to spend much of her reign promoting early detection, diagnosis and proper intervention of dyslexia so that no child ever has to feel inferior as she once did.

“I want to lead by example, I know first-hand what it feels like to face a challenge. I want to share my story and remind educators that great minds think alike,” Byington said.

As the official teen spokesperson for The International Dyslexia Association, Byington will travel to Columbus this fall to lobby for new legislation aimed at improving screening techniques and better intervention for dyslexic students within Ohio school systems.

“The most rewarding part of Miss Teen Ohio is developing a platform where I can reach out to others and raise awareness,” Byington said.

She will be affiliated with 11 global partners through the IDA organization and plans to travel to India, Germany, Brazil, London and Ireland during her reign this year.

Byington has also been appointed as the official teen spokesperson for the Cincinnati based UGive Foundation. Through this organization she will continue to help design meaningful and relevant community service projects for teens like herself as well as to encourage all young people to simply get involved and give back to their communities.

“I am most looking forward to meeting young people as I travel. It will be great to give back, I have had mentors who have guided me through the years and am excited to be a mentor myself,” Byington said.

In July, she will go on to represent the Buckeye State at the 2009 Miss Teen International Competition in Chicago where she will compete against contestants from other states and countries ranging from South Africa to New Zealand.

Everyone is invited to go online and vote for Byington for the People’s Choice Award by visiting the official pageant Web site: www.missteeninternational.us.

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