Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009 Awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Sam Haskell III Chairman of Board for MAO, MAOT 2009 Taylor Fitch, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron, and Art McMaster President & CEO of MAO. Photo: MAOT

Congratulations to Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2009 Taylor Hanna Fitch, as she was recently awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Award: Young Americans' Challenge.

Established in 1956, the award challenges young men and women to step outside of their comfort zone and push themselves to new heights. Taylor was one of over 60 young women from South Carolina to be recognized internationally for her hard work and dedication to reaching her personal best.

The successive program starts at the bronze level and finishes at gold. The program focuses on creating a well-rounded individual through community service, development and practice of new skills, good academic standing, an adventurous journey of some sort, and much more. Taylor completed two of the three levels this summer and is currently pursuing the gold level. She was among the group of young women who were recognized by a gala commemorating their accomplishments. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, traveled from his European home to personally award the participants and congratulate them on their personal discovery and accomplishment. With the introduction and success of programs such as these, the youth of today have the opportunity to become talented leaders and model citizens.