The organization of Miss Connecticut USA hosted the coronation ceremony for Miss Connecticut USA 2021 on 6th June 2021 at Hartford/Windsor Marriott Airport Hotel, Windsor, Connecticut, United States where Amanda Torchia was crowned as the new Miss Connecticut USA 2021. She will now represent Connecticut at Miss USA 2021, succeeding Miss Connecticut USA 2020 Chelsea Demby.

Hailing from Middlebury, Amanda is 25-years-old and is of Afghan and Italian descent. She is the founder of the youth program called Educate to Create and is extremely passionate about the things she has taken up in her life. She is excited about taking over the crown duties and starting preparing for the competition.

Miss Connecticut USA 2021 Amanda Torchia’s court includes:

First runner-up: Tracy Sooklall

Second runner-up: Erika Porras

Third runner-up: Savannah Giammarco

Fourth runner-up: Hillary Scoville

Amanda is not new to the world of beauty pageants as she competed in Miss New York Teen USA 2012 and finished in the Top 10. Later in 2014, she competed in Miss New York Teen USA and was placed in the Top 10. She was Miss Royalty International Teen 2014 and was crowned National American Miss New York Teen 2015. Amanda did not place in Miss New York USA 2016 or 2017. She was the 2017 National American Miss New York and the Face of Ashley Rene. She was adjudged as the first runner-up at Miss Connecticut USA 2020 where Chelsea Demby was crowned as the winner.

Amanda's mother encouraged her to compete in a beauty pageant, which she thought 'looked like fun at the time, and now she will represent Connecticut at Miss USA 2021. She shared, "The experience was like no other. I’m grateful for what happened to my life because of competing. So many doors were opened. I received academic scholarships as well as numerous once-in-a-lifetime modeling opportunities. Most of all, this journey taught me valuable life skills. When I was younger, I did not have a lot of confidence in myself. Through competing, I was able to gain much-needed confidence and now, I feel I can accomplish any goal I set. "

For Amanda, winning the title is a second thing, but being able to set specific goals and find the courage and power within yourself to accomplish those goals is what matters to her. She added, "I was able to create several beautiful friendships over the years and that is something I will always be grateful for. And of course, I gained countless memories. With each pageant, it truly is so much more than a competition – it is an opportunity to learn, grow and connect with others".

The diva who started competing in beauty pageants as a teen has always encouraged young women and girls to go for it if they want to be a part of a beauty pageant. She explains that the competition might look intimidating at first, but it’s completely worth it. "In the end, a title only lasts for a year – but the friendships, self-discovery, and memories will last a lifetime. For young ladies who want to model or compete in pageants, the first step is having confidence in yourself and believing that you can do anything you set your mind to. If you believe in yourself, you are capable of such amazing things!” she shared.

Asking about how she sees a beauty pageant, Amanda stated that a lot of people see beauty pageants as a negative thing but it is more than what is showcased. As contestants, the divas must participate in an interview process where the judges get to know them on a more personal level and this is where she explains that the divas get to showcase their intelligence, personality, and true beauty. She lastly added, "We find causes near and dear to our hearts and use our titles to create positive change for these causes. It is so much more than wearing a beautiful gown and walking in heels – it is about women empowering and celebrating one another, showcasing our knowledge, having confidence, and giving back to the lives of others".

The beauty queen is extremely thankful to her friends and family who have always stuck by her side and helped her to stay motivated and confident throughout. Amanda stated that learning organization and time management skills at a young age was critical. Amanda’s parents traveled to America for freedom and a better life from Kabul (mother) and Italy (father) and have made a huge impact on the queen when it comes to hard work and determination to achieve what one desires. She encourages everyone to keep working hard for their dreams.

Miss Teen Connecticut USA 2021 was also held on the same night where Nikitha Kikanamada was crowned the new queen. She will represent Connecticut at Miss Teen USA 2021. Ava Howard, Ava King, Mairead Spellacy, and Monika Korbusieski were adjudged as the first, second, third, and fourth runner-ups respectively at the end of the event finale.

Congratulations queens!