MISS MISSOURI TEEN USA 1996 Leah Sexton – 4th Runner-Up– MISS TEEN USA 1996

Leah Sexton represented the state of Missouri at the 1996 Miss Teen USA pageant in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Leahís roommate that year was Amanda Carraway, Miss Kansas Teen USA. The hosts that year were Bob Goin and Shari Belafonte.

Current Biographical Information:
Leah graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. While in college, Leah was involved with her sorority, Chi Omega. She is currently employed by IKON Office Solutions as a sales representative. IKON sells all types of high volume office equipment such as copiers and faxes. Leah continues to do modeling for Exposure Model and Talent Agency in Kansas City. Leah is in the process of relocating to the Kansas City area from Lawrence, Kansas.

What was your best memory of your year as a titleholder?
The most treasured part of my year with Vanbros is the friendships I made. The best memory is the road trip I took to Nashville with John Vannatta, my mother, and Amanda Caraway. I didn't know John or Mandy well before we drove to Tennessee, and it was a great way to learn that we all shared feelings in common and that Mandy and I love to sleep!

How did being a titleholder impact your life?
Being Miss Missouri Teen USA 1996 opened doors for me professionally and socially. Even though I was crowned several years ago, those doors are still opening today. I learned how to handle myself as an adult and the title gave me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people.

What one person did you meet during your year, that you were most excited to meet?
I was excited to meet Olympic Powerlifter Wes Barnett. When I was invited to participate in the Olympic Torch Run in St. Joseph, Missouri, I was focused on my upcoming national competition. I was nervous about being in Miss Teen USA and didnít know what to expect. Then I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Wes and as we talked I realized that while I was nervous about representing my state in a pageant, he was nervous about representing his country in the Olympics. I admired his courage and his sportsmanship, and found that talking with him eased my nerves about my ìeventî. His upcoming event was on a worldwide stage and although he didn't win a gold medal, he will always be a champion to me.