Tinanggihan ni Miss Teen USA 2023 first runner-up Stephanie Skinner ang posisyong Miss Teen USA 2023 matapos magbitiw ang reigning titleholder na si UmaSofia Srivastava.
Nag-resign si Srivastava sa kanyang trono bilang Miss Teen USA 2023 dahil hindi na umano naaayon ang kanyang mga paniniwala sa mga gustong tahaking daan ng Miss Teen USA Organization.
Dalawang araw bago magbitiw si UmaSofia, nauna na ring nag-resign sa kanyang titulo bilang Miss USA 2024 si Noelia Voigt dahil sa mental health problems.
Read: Miss USA 2023 and Miss Teen USA 2023 resign
Nitong nakaraang May 12, 2024, idinaan sa Instagram ni Stephanie na hindi niya matatanggap ang posisyong nararapat para sa kanya dahil siya ang first runner-up sa Miss Teen USA 2023.
Si Stephanie ang representative ng Miss Teen USA 2023 mula sa New York.
Saad niya (published as is), "Hi everyone! As many of you know, on August 6th, 2023 I was crowned Miss New York Teen USA 2023.
"Since I was 12 years old, I have put every ounce of my being to work towards my dream of earning an esteemed national title and the platform to do good that comes with it.
"I have never had anything handed to me in life and I have tiredlessly worked towards this goal of mine for years.
"On September 28, 2023 the door to become Miss Teen USA 2023 closed when I was awarded 1st runner up to the national title and overall best interview.
"Throughout my over 100 appearances, publishing my own children's book "Holding Hands with Hope", collaborating on a "day of hope" with the NYC mayor, and serving as Miss New York Teen USA 2023, I learned the true importance of what it means to serve in the best interest of others.
"I felt grateful leaving my Miss Teen USA experience as i was able to share my impact and advocacy.
"I will always prioritize my role as a titleholder and as an advocate for positive change."
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Stephanie Skinner's prior commitment
Sa mga bagong pangyayaring naganap sa Miss USA at Miss Teen Usa organizations, ianunsiyo ni Stephanie na tinanggihan niya ang titulong Miss Teen USA 2023.
May natanguan na raw kasi siyang commitment sa Thailand at palipad na siya para magtrabaho doon.
Aniya, "In light of recent events, I have decided to decline the title of Miss Teen USA 2023.
"This was not an easy decision. I hope for respect of my choice as this was a decision I never asked to make. My word is my everything.
"I gave my commitment to a global research career opportunity in Thailand that will require me to live aboard for the summer."
Read: The winning answer of Miss U.S.A. at Miss Universe 2022 Final Q&A
MESSAGE FOR HER PAGEANT SISTERS
Nagpaabot naman si Stephanie ng suporta sa pageant sisters niyang sina Noelia at UmaSofia.
Dagdag pa niya, "In addition, although, I do not know exactly what Noelia and Uma went through to led them to resign, I am sending them immense love and support.
"What I do know is that my core values are integrity, honor, kindness, and most importantly I will always stand for female empowerment.
"I believe we all deserve the power to use our voices. If you know me, you know how much this meant to me and how much I sacrificed.
"Yes, I would be grateful for this platform to be a national representation for young women across the country, but I believe this is the right decision to make.
"I am even more grateful for the opportunity to make an impact by always supporting and serving those around me as Stephanie.
"With love, Stephanie Skinner."
Read: Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss USA 2022
May dagdag na caption si Stephanie tungkol sa pagtanggi niyang maging Miss Teen USA 2023 titleholder.
Caption niya sa kanyang post, "Always let your actions speak louder than your words and never let anyone speak for you. (heart emoji)
"Please know this is such a difficult position to be put in. I pray for respect of my values and my decision.
"The hardest choices are never easy decisions to make, and I wanted to make this decision on my own.
"Thank you to everyone who has shown me kindness and love as Stephanie, it is appreciated MORE than you know. Sending love (heart emoji)"
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REACTIONS OF UMASOFIA AND NOELIA
Nagkomento naman si UmaSofia Srivastava at Noelia Voigt sa post niya.
Sabi ni UmaSofia, "I am so grateful to call you my friend (heart emoji) You always leave me in awe of your dedication and integrity."
Mensahe naman ni Noelia, "Ever since I met you have I loved and admired you. You continue to set a great example everywhere you go. Proud of you (heart emoji)."
Wala pang pahayag ang Miss Teen USA organization ukol sa desisyon ni Stephanie.