MISS GREATER ATLANTA TEEN Carrington Manous

At the age of seven, Carrington Manous was diagnosed as Twice Exceptional/2E, when one is both intellectually gifted and dyslexic. While attending a school for dyslexia, a spark was ignited to advocate for herself and others. As Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen, Carrington decided to use her crown to initiate an international outreach tour which donates dyslexia/literacy materials and computers. Most recently, Carrington worked closely with Senator Gloria Butler on HB538, a bill to fund free dyslexia testing for Georgia students in kindergarten through third grade. We had the opportunity to interview Carrington for Ne[x]t Magazine and would love for you to get to know her.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF CARRINGTON MANOUS LOOK LIKE?

I am ninth-grade honors and a very active student at Woodward Academy. I arrive at school by 8:30 every morning and often have school-related activities directly after school. I also have pageant coaching, fitness training, and dance training after school six days a week. To say my schedule is busy is an understatement. I typically complete all my homework at school so I can focus on only studying when I get home from all my after-school activities. I have pageant/platform-related appearance on the weekend. These appearances allow me to connect with my community and advocate and spread awareness about dyslexia.

WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?

Atlanta, Georgia

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

I am Carrington Manous. I am 14 years old, and for 12 years of my life, I was an only child, but like so many families in America, I now have a bonus dad and bonus siblings I love very much. I'm also a dyslexic thinker— meaning I'm both creative and strategic—which has helped me tremendously throughout life. I have also been diagnosed as Twice Exceptional/2E, when one is intellectually gifted and dyslexic. That term is cool. I am also a dancer who has been dancing since I was 22 months old. I have danced with and trained with some pretty fantastic dance companies, such as Alvin Ailey, Dance Theater of Harlem Joffrey Ballet, McClendon School of Dance, A.R.E.A, and Reynolds Artistic Creation and Performing Arts Center, to name a few. I am also an honor student at Woodward Academy who debated with the school board to implement a school-wide policy that homework should not be assigned over long holiday weekends. As a result, that policy is still in place. This past summer, I was one of 25 students selected from all over the world to attend a two-week debate program at Harvard University. While there, I learned many different life skills and won two out of three of my debates. Debate is one of my life's passions because my career goal is to become an attorney to continue advocating for disadvantaged individuals. Lastly, one of my most recent accomplishments is being asked to serve on the International Dyslexia Association Teen Board, where I serve as the Corresponding Secretary.

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WERE DYSLEXIC?

I discovered I had dyslexia in second grade. Second grade was a bit challenging for me with spelling and reading some books. Therefore, my principal, Mrs. Polly Williams, recommended my parents get me tested for dyslexia. First, my parents were beyond confused because previously I was a gifted kid, and she didn't understand how I could be gifted and dyslexic at the same time, which one can be. My principal suggested that if the diagnosis came back as dyslexia, she had an excellent recommendation for a local school specializing in supporting and teaching students with dyslexia. That school was the Schenck School. I went to the Schenck School, and my life forever changed.

HOW DID YOUR PERSONAL DIAGNOSIS IMPACT YOUR PLATFORM OF BRINGING AWARENESS TO DYSLEXIA?

My diagnosis impacted me and my platform because it is not just a platform for me. It is my daily life. Every day I am reminded of my second-grade self who was unsure of herself, too embarrassed to admit I learned differently, and honestly afraid of what I would become later in life. Therefore, I wanted to do my part to ensure other students didn't feel that way. I also wanted them to know they had an advocate committed to providing the resources they need to thrive academically and that "dyslexia doesn't define you, you define dyslexia."

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ADVOCACY INITIATIVES FOR DYSLEXIA.

I have been fortunate to be invited to the Georgia State Capitol several times since third grade. However, in January 2023, I was asked multiple times to speak and advocate for dyslexic students. I shared my journey and how important early intervention is for student success. I was fortunate to work with Senator Gloria Butler on House Bill 538, a bill established for free dyslexia testing for students in kindergarten-third grade, which passed and was funded one year early with a budget of $5 million. I have also founded a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Carrington Cares, Inc., which provides scholarships to students, as well as funds to educators for dyslexia testing and teacher resources.. Lastly, I have just launched a Dyslexia and Literacy School Tour where I visit Georgia schools with a special guest, Big Bird. We pass out free books, sponsored by Books for Africa and the Buckhead Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, to promote the importance of reading. We also provided students with a QR code link for free dyslexia screening by the International Dyslexia Association.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS MISS GREATER ATLANTA TEEN?

My goal as Miss Greater Atlanta Teen is to continue the work I am currently doing for the dyslexia community, such as dispelling the myth that dyslexia is associated with intellect. I also want to ensure all kindergarten to 12th-grade students can access free dyslexia testing. The test is about $3,000 on average, which for some families is very expensive. I believe all students should have the proper diagnosis and resources they need to thrive academically, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location. Lastly, I want to continue with my Dyslexia and Literacy School Tours across Georgia to spread dyslexia awareness and promote reading.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT CARRINGTON CARES?

Carrington Cares is not just my platform or community social impact initiative. Carrington Cares is my life. As a person born with the "gift" of dyslexia, I understand the importance of the work I am doing for the dyslexic community and the benefits it has. I also understand dyslexia is not a learning difference only affecting students in the United States. Students worldwide are impacted by dyslexia, which is why I have extended my work to other countries, such as the Philippines. I donated dyslexia material and computers to the Kiawan School in the Philippines. Because of my philanthropy, the school named its computer and dyslexia lab the Carrington Cares Computer and Literacy Lab. They also declared December 15th, the day the lab opened, as Carrington Cares Day to be celebrated and recognized annually.

WHO MOST INSPIRES YOU?

The person who inspires me the most (other than my mom who is so driven and fantastic) is Whoopi Goldberg. Ms. Goldberg also has dyslexia and has accomplished many amazing things in life and with her career. She gives me hope that if she can and has done fantastic things, so can I.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS?

My advice would be to be your biggest advocate in life. If you believe in yourself, others will too. Also, when things in life become challenging, remember never to quit. Get the help you need; just do not quit. Lastly, always speak positive affirmations out loud. What you feed your mind will manifest.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR TIME AS MISS GREATER ATLANTA TEEN?

I have had several memorable moments as Miss Greater Atlanta Teen. I attended the Tim Tebow Night to Shine event, where the special needs community was honored with a prom and made to feel like kings and queens. The Kiawan School event in the Philippines was also very special to me because of the impact I was able to make in another country. However, the Dyslexia and Literacy School Tour is also very high on the list. My non-profit, Carrington Cares, Inc., was and continues to impact the lives of each student we visit, and to see the faces light up when Big Bird surprises them is priceless.

MANY KIDS LOOK UP TO YOU TODAY, BOTH FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND TALENT. DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO (PAST OR PRESENT)?

Hands down, Whoopi Goldberg. She is just amazing to me and so inspiring.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

In 10 years, I see myself earning my Juris Doctorate Law degree, practicing law, and advocating for disadvantaged individuals. I also see myself on the big screen as an actress. I believe the sky is the limit.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

When I have free time, which is not often, I love to ride my bike with my dad, shop with my mom or sing old-school songs with my mom and bonus dad. I also love relaxing in my room and drawing or writing poetry.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GEORGIA?

My favorite thing about Georgia, outside of it being one of the states funding free dyslexia screening for students kindergarten to third, would have to be Six Flags. I love adventures, roller coasters, and funnel cakes, and on a beautiful spring day when the weather is just right, I can stay there for hours.

TELL US A FUN FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.

One fun fact about me is I was in the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie Blended the summer I found out I was dyslexic, and the movie brightened my spirits after my diagnosis. Also, a fun fact about the movie Blended I was in the "Africa" scene, filmed at Lake Lanier in Georgia and not Africa.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THEY BE?

The three people I would have dinner with would be Whoopi Goldberg, my idol; my great-grandmother who passed away when I was younger and I miss dearly; and Albert Einstein, one of the world's greatest minds who was also dyslexic.

IF YOU COULD PERFORM WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

After I got over being starstruck, I would perform with two of the greatest performers of all time, Beyonce and Michael Jackson.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST FINANCIAL LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED IN LIFE?

I am still learning financial lessons because I am 14 years old. However, my dad is a personal banker who has taught me to save, save, and save some more.

Miss Georgia Week

The Rivercenter for the Performing Arts

Columbus, Georgia

Wednesday, June 14th | Talent

Thursday, June 15th | Evening Gown

Friday, June 16th | Fitness

Saturday, June 17th | Finals