Miss Virginia Teen Spreading Smiles

In July 2024, Cassidy Lee was crowned Miss Virginia Teen at a pageant in Roanoke, Virginia. She enrolled at the University of Alabama in August and joined the Psi Chapter. In January, she competed in Miss America’s Teen in Orlando.

How do you use your platform to impact the world?

Through the Miss America Teen organization’s pillar of service, I have developed a lifelong philanthropic purpose of providing care to those impacted by cleft conditions. From attending Operation Smile surgical programs in South America to walking the Miss America stage in honor of individuals with cleft lip and palates, I strive to spread smiles across local, state and national communities. I utilize my platform to hold surgery fundraisers, promote cleft education through social media outreach and increase facial difference inclusivity by participating in advocacy events. Over the years, heartwarming patient interactions and eye-opening experiences have inspired me to create a cleft awareness podcast titled Every Smile Has a Story and publish a cleft-inclusive children’s coloring book titled The Smile Sketchbook, which I hope will bridge the gap of cleft representation across the world. The job of Miss Virginia’s Teen has presented me with a podium of outreach I will continue to use each and every day to advocate for the cause held most close to my heart.

What is a lesson you’ve learned about the spirit of sisterhood?

Growing up as an only child, I dreamed of having a sister. Now, as an Alpha Gamma Delta at the University of Alabama, I am incredibly blessed to call hundreds of the most uplifting, ambitious, compassionate and genuine girls my chosen sisters. Learning how to be a college student at UA while prepping for the Miss America Teen competition was a smooth transition, largely made possible because of the strong spirit of sisterhood in the chapter. From helping me prepare with mock interviews to sending good luck texts before each phase of the competition, their love and encouragement demonstrated the true meaning of being sisters. I continue to be inspired by their commitment to loving, leading and lasting.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Alpha Gamma Delta?

As a young girl, I always knew I wanted to join a sorority but could never have imagined the positive and everlasting impact it has had on my life. Because of Alpha Gamma Delta, I have created lifelong friendships with the kindest girls, deepened my love for service, specifically by helping fight hunger, grown in my professional career because of on-campus connections, and found a home away from home. I am forever thankful to represent the core values of Alpha Gam and am incredibly grateful for the family it has given me.