Miss Indiana Teen USA talks with WDRB Mornings ahead of national pageant

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of Scott County's own will be competing in the Miss Teen USA 2024 Pageant in August.

Aleah Dean, 17, from Austin, Indiana, was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2024 in June.

She visited WDRB Mornings on Tuesday to talk about her life after the state pageant and what she is looking forward to as Indiana's representative at Miss Teen USA 2024.

"Actually what convinced me to start pageantry was the sisterhood," Aleah said Tuesday. "I knew that I would make my best friends for life.

"In pageantry, even though it's a very competitive sport, or a thing to do, the girls are not competitive against each other. It wasn't until I started in pageantry — my first year. three years ago — that I met my very best friend for life that I still talk to up to this day."

At a young age, Aleah founded "Dare To Be You," a movement teaching youth to rise above adversity and empowering their authenticity.

"Just be yourself, and I know it can be hard because of the comments and things," she said. "But be yourself. That's why I started my 'Dare To Be You' event, which is where I go into schools ... and I talk to youth about living life authentically and the way God created you to be."

Aleah is also part of Best Buddies, Special Olympics, The Dream Academy and Girls Inc.

When she she's not competing on stage, she enjoys riding her horse "Comet," performing in the Austin Dimensions Show Choir and speaking publicly.

Her favorite movie is "Tall Girl," her favorite app is Instagram, and she enjoys Rhythm and Blues music.

Aleah was awarded the Local Titleholder of the Year, Overall Interview Winner, Overall Fitness Winner and Overall Evening Gown Winner at the state pageant.

The upcoming national competition will be held Aug. 1 in Los Angeles. It will be live on The CW Network. Winning the pageant would be a nice early birthday gift for Aleah who celebrates hers Aug. 2.

To learn more about Aleah and follow along with her journey, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.