On December 11, 2011 Katie Taylor, Miss Southern Johnson County Teen, was crowned Miss Kansas Teen USA 2012 in Wichita, Kansas at the Historic Scottish Rite Temple. Katie was born in Shawnee Mission, KS, and has been raised in Olathe, KS by her parents Daniel and Stacey Taylor. She is the oldest of three children and has a younger brother, Scott, and younger sister, Emma. Katie is a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, KS where she is an Honor Roll Student and has been recognized as an East Kansas League Scholar Athlete. She is involved in the Spirit Club, Invisible Children’s Club, Clean Team, and Key Club. Katie has participated in Cross Country, Soccer and Cheerleading at Saint Thomas Aquinas and is currently playing soccer for the KC Fusion Soccer Club.

Katie has also been involved in modeling since 8th grade and has trained with Emmy Award winner Jennifer Plas, Casting Director Barry Shapiro out of New York, along with others to sharpen her acting and modeling skills. She was signed in the Kansas City and Nashville, TN markets prior to being crowned Miss Kansas Teen USA. In July of 2011 she participated in AMTC (Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ) in Orlando Florida, and was a finalist in Commercial Modeling, ranking 3rd in her division.

She has been an active volunteer in the community, working at the local food kitchens and volunteering bi-weekly at the Hope Lodge – a free housing resource for cancer patients. Katie is passionate about supporting programs for Cancer Research and Prevention, having participated in Susan G Komen Foundation events Race for the Cure and Catwalk for the Cure. She has also volunteered for the Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House and has visited local schools. Katie works as an Account Manager for Prospect Image, and plans to attend The University of Kansas next fall to begin studies in business as a prelude to medical school and her dream of becoming a doctor.

Katie is looking forward to being a good role model and remaining involved in her community by continuing to volunteer as much as she can. She wants to be a mentor for people of all ages and promote the need to maintain a lifestyle that is healthy for both mind and body. Katie will participate in the Miss Teen USA pageant to be held during the summer of 2012. Katie is available for speaking engagements, interviews, autograph signing and other events in Kansas. You can book appearances on the Vanbros website or contact Katie at info@vanbros.com.