Local teen to represent Port Charlotte in state pageant

Aquinnah Mongillo will be representing Port Charlotte in the upcoming Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant. COURTESY PHOTO

Local teen Aquinnah Mongillo brings glamour and generosity to the community, one rhinestone at a time. The 18-yearold will proudly be on stage representing Port Charlotte in the upcoming Miss Florida Teen USA Pageant.

“This is my first-ever pageant, and I am not nervous at all. I am just excited!” said Mongillo. “I cannot wait to get on the stage! I am not only here to become Miss Florida Teen USA but to represent my community and Florida on a national stage — and to be the first to attend from our area.

“Everyone involved has been so nice and helpful. It has been about empowering one another!”

Mongillo lauded the sisterhood relations created through pageantry.

“It’s not just about beauty or confidence — it is about being the voice for the men and women here in Port Charlotte,” she said. “I speak on job losses and homelessness among teenagers, and bring to light the importance of gun safety and the effects of bullying. I want to put Port Charlotte on the map, the family-bonded community here, and advocate on important topics.”

Miss Florida Teen USA will be held July 5 through 7 at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center and broadcast live. COURTESY PHOTOS

Miss Florida Teen USA will be held July 5 through 7 at the Coral Springs Performing Arts Center and broadcast live. Pageant organizers said the program has been uplifting women from ages 14 to 18 for over 50 years.

The Miss Florida Teen USA winner will be crowned and advance to the Miss Teen USA contest, which takes place in August.

“I already found my dress, and I am ready to give it my all,” said Mongillo. “We are all beautiful and put in a lot of hard work. It is about uniqueness and hitting the mark. I am just going to be myself.

“My biggest dream is to become a lawyer and have a women-operated firm. I decided to do the pageant to work on my public speaking since it is important to know how to talk and connect with people. I want to be the voice for those who are afraid to speak in tough situations.”

Mongillo maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout high school. She also gives back to the local community through partnerships with charities, foundations and other nonprofit organizations.

“I have about 715 hours of community service. I have been a Girl Scout, worked with children and libraries, plus homeless shelters, including the Salvation Army, and continue to donate canned goods and clothes. I love to shop, so when I donate clothes, it’s a lot!”

“I have also earned awards through Key Club in school with different organizations plus beach clean-ups and working with our senior citizens and veterans.

“I talk to our veterans and share meals with them. There is a generation gap that needs to be filled. We are missing out on so many personal and touching stories. It is also important to honor our heroes, including firefighters and emergency services. Being involved with them is what pushed me to get Home Health Aid (HHA) and CPR certified.”

Miss Florida Teen USA is divided into three apparel sections: cocktail dresses, athletic wear and formal gowns.

“The first part is the interview, which counts as 50% of your grade, and the second portion is the clothing showcase,” Mongillo explained. “The athletic segment is sponsored by Hello Daisy (an online clothing boutique), who I love!

“I have really networked myself; I think it is important to support local businesses, and I have five sponsors and four clothing ambassadors.”

Boca Tanning Club is her tanning sponsor.

“I never had a spray tan before either, so there is another first,” Mongillo said with a laugh. “I want to thank everyone who has supported me, along with my photographer, Megan DiPiero.”

Mongillo’s sponsors include Jeannie Bridal, J. Meraki Beauty Emporium, Sugar Chic Boutique, Charlotte County Fire/ EMS Station 2, and J&J One Stop [Gun Shop] for gun safety.

The public is also invited to donate to Mongillo’s cause. To do so, see missfloridausa.com/payment.

“I am so excited to be the voice of Port Charlotte,” Mongillo added. “If you are a young girl or woman of any age wanting to do this, take the first step. You never know what could happen.

“Use me as an example. By applying and taking the first leap, you have already accomplished so much.” ¦

The post Local teen to represent Port Charlotte in state pageant first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .