The recent crowning of Lillian Rankin as Miss Taunton’s Teen 2025 marked a historic moment for Taunton as this event celebrated the 70th installment of the Miss Taunton Scholarship Program. The competition took place at Benjamin A. Friedman Middle School on November 3, 2024, and featured nine young contestants who not only showcased their poise and talent but were also judged on various criteria including personal interviews, artistic talent, health and fitness, along with displaying grace in evening gowns. This year’s event was particularly significant as it highlighted the continuity of the Miss Taunton’s Teen title, with last year’s winner, Marianna McCallum, present to pass the title to Rankin.
Lillian Rankin, 17 years old and a senior at Silver Lake Regional High School, has already made a name for herself with her community service initiative called “Arts For All: Turning Color Into Confidence.” In addition to winning the coveted title, Rankin was awarded a $1,000 scholarship that will aid her in her future endeavors. With her background in Irish step dancing and a home in Plympton, Rankin is poised to compete for the title of Miss Massachusetts Teen in June 2025. Her commitment to both her community and personal development through the arts is indicative of the values promoted by the Miss Taunton program.
In addition to Rankin’s triumph, the competition saw impressive performances from the other contestants. Olivia Bellas from Taunton was recognized as the first runner-up, receiving a $400 scholarship for her efforts. Following her, Noelle O’Hanlon from North Attleboro secured the second runner-up title along with a $300 scholarship. Third runner-up was Olivia Vilandry from North Dighton, rewarded with a $200 scholarship, and Sydney St. Onge of Acushnet was named the fourth runner-up, earning a $100 scholarship. These recognitions reflect the dedication and talent of each participant.
The event also included a range of awards for those who showcased exceptional abilities beyond the main titles. Addison Kohler of Fairhaven was presented with the Most Talented Non-Finalist Award, which highlights the diverse skills of all participants, not just the finalists. Olivia Bellas also stood out by receiving the Joyce A. Christiansen Memorial Award for Teen, celebrating her academic accomplishments. These additional awards enhance the overall scope of the competition by recognizing various forms of talent and dedication among the contestants.
The judging criteria for the Miss Taunton’s Teen contest closely mirrored that of the Miss Taunton competition, emphasizing the importance of talent and performance within the pageant framework. The event featured choreography and entertainment orchestrated by Amanda Narciso Ponte, with the assistance of dancers from Spotlight Studio, whose performances added a lively energy to the event. Such elements are integral in the pageant environment, making it not just a competition but also a celebration of the arts and young women’s accomplishments.
Overall, the 2024 Miss Taunton Scholarship Program was a resounding success, culminating in Lillian Rankin being crowned Miss Taunton’s Teen 2025. The event underscored the significance of community engagement, talent, and educational opportunities for young women in the Taunton area. With her sights set on the state competition and a flourishing platform for her community service, Rankin represents the strong spirit and resilience of the Miss Taunton organization, which works to empower young women through various channels in line with Miss America’s broader mission.
