"Too many people use age as an excuse for why they're not responsible for themselves, or why they can't do certain things. They say, 'Oh, I'm too young for that.' I say step up to the plate," Scanlan told StyleList.

And while charitable platforms like Scanlan's work with eating disorders are a requirement of every competitor, nowhere is glamour, gowns and glittering jewels more celebrated than on a national pageant stage like at Miss America.