Imagine achieving a dream you’ve worked tirelessly for – that’s exactly what happened to Helyna Park! This Padua Franciscan High School senior recently stunned the nation by landing the coveted position of third runner-up at the prestigious Miss Teen USA competition. But the road to Reno, Nevada, and the Grand Sierra Resort, where the 74th annual pageant unfolded on October 24th, was paved with dedication and a whole lot of heart.
“The entire week was such fun,” exclaimed the vibrant 18-year-old, a resident of Seven Hills, Ohio. Remember, Helyna wasn’t just any contestant; she was Miss Ohio Teen USA 2025! “I had a blast with all the other girls – meeting everybody – and then also having that sense of, OK, I’m prepared, I got this. Just rocking the stage and knowing what I need to do and executing it.”
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Helyna confessed that her initial goal wasn’t necessarily to win. Instead, she focused on enjoying the experience and representing Team USA with pride. She emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “I did all the preparation that I could possibly do, so I really just wanted to go in there with an open mind, expect nothing and just get a great experience from going to nationals for Team USA.”
And this is the part most people miss: the mental game. Helyna’s approach to the competition highlights the power of managing expectations and focusing on personal growth, regardless of the final outcome. It wasn’t until she cracked the top 10 that the possibility of winning truly ignited within her. “Once my name got called to the top 10, that’s when it really kind of resonated with me,” she shared. “To just be able to execute that and be able to make top 5, that was like when it all kind of hit me. I was like, oh, my gosh, this is so exciting.”
During the competition, Helyna showcased her creativity and Ohio pride by dressing as a cardinal for the state costume contest, adding a touch of showgirl flair. But she credits the interview portion as being particularly crucial to her success. “Being able to connect with the judges on that personal level was super crucial,” Helyna explained. “It boosted me up to the top, showed them my personality — who I am as a person and everything that I believe in, all my goals and values that I have for myself.” This highlights the importance of authenticity and genuine connection in any competitive field.
For the next year, Helyna will be busy making appearances throughout Ohio, promoting the pageant and inspiring young women across the state. But her ambitions don’t stop there! This talented student has big dreams of becoming a Navy pilot. ROTC is definitely on her radar, as is another exciting opportunity: a four-year scholarship to Mississippi State University that she received as a result of her participation in the Teen Miss USA pageant. “Next is focusing on what I’m going to do in my future,” she said. “I turned in all my applications for the Naval Academy and ROTC. I’m just waiting to hear back from them and then deciding if I want to go to college or enlist… From the Teen Miss USA pageant, I actually got a four-year scholarship to Mississippi State, so that might be an option as well.”
And there’s more! Helyna is also considering competing in the Miss USA pageant in the future. She’s clearly not afraid to set ambitious goals!
But here’s where it gets controversial… Some argue that pageants reinforce outdated beauty standards, while others believe they empower young women by providing opportunities for personal growth and scholarship money. What do you think? Do pageants truly empower women, or do they perpetuate harmful stereotypes?
Ultimately, Helyna hopes her journey serves as an inspiration to others. “I just want people to see me as a normal, everyday girl just going outside of her comfort zone and empowering other people to just do the same,” she said. “Take that chance and run with the opportunities that are handed to you because you never know what can come out of it.”
What an incredible message from a truly inspiring young woman! What opportunities have you seized that have led to unexpected and positive outcomes? Share your stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on the role of pageants in today’s society.