Miss New York was crowned recently and she is from right here in the Hudson Valley.

When we think of Miss New York, Miss America or other pageants we may have certain stereotypes ingrained in us. When we see a beauty pageant winner we might not immediately think that they may be a teacher with 5 degrees and is currently on her way to get a doctorate. Miss New York 2019 and Millbrook native, Lauren Molella is looking to break down those pageant barriers. We have a new kind of winner.

Lauren was crowned Miss New York on June 9 at The Paramount Theatre in Peekskill but she's no stranger to winning. She was actually crowned Miss New York Outstanding Teen in 2011.

If being Miss New York and preparing for Miss America wasn't enough Mollela even enjoys her day job teaching physics at a local community college. She's heavily involved with local charities as well including Voices of Honor and The Children's Miracle Network.

Molella is on to amazing things and let's cheer her on as she prepares for her run for Miss America.

How awesome would it be to have Miss America living right here in the Hudson Valley? Well, at least Millbrook with the other celebrities.

Listen to the WRRV Morning Grind With Brandi and Nick weekday mornings from 6AM to 10AM on 92.7/96.9 WRRV. Stream us live through the website, your Alexa-enabled device, Google Home or the WRRV mobile app.

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