Vernon School Employee Named Miss Connecticut

Editor’s note: We published this story earlier in the week, but here it is again in case you missed it.

Recently, a Vernon Public Schools employee was crowned as the new Miss Connecticut.

Colleen Ward, 22, won $8,500 in scholarship dollars with her victory and will now compete in Atlantic City for the title of Miss America in September.

Ward, a Wolcott resident and former Miss Windham County, was one of 13 contestants who competed for the title Miss Connecticut. There were multiple phases of the competition including interview, talent, evening gown, and fitness. For her talent routine, Ward performed an Irish dance.

She obtained her bachelors of science degree in Elementary Education specializing in English from Central Connecticut State University this past May. Her ambition is to become an elementary school teacher and reading coach.

Ward is currently employed by the Vernon Public School District as a permanent building substitute teacher and is able to live out her passions each day.

She will be pursuing her master’s degree in Reading and Literacy Specialization with the desire to continue working in the Connecticut school systems; encouraging the youth of our nation to achieve their greatest potential as a student and member of society.

She began initiating her platform; “Promoting Childhood Literacy: Encouraging a Healthy Mind for a Healthy Life” at a young age when she saw the effects of students who did not have access to the necessary materials or support needed to excel in school. Since then, she has teamed up with local and national organizations to spread awareness and knowledge about the importance of literacy.

Ward is a champion Irish dancer who has had wonderful opportunities to showcase her talent around the state of Connecticut. She has been fortunate to dance at mayors’ inaugural balls, weddings, college half-time shows, newscasts, parades, and national competitions. She was also selected as one of the opening dancers for Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance show at the Palace Theater.

Photo courtesy of Catherine Fiehn Photography.