One Christmas present came early this year for Jessie Colonna, a 16-year-old from Leawood, Kansas, who was crowned Miss Kansas Teen USA 2008 at the Lied Center in Lawrence, Kansas on December 16, 2007.

Jessie is a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas. She has been named to the Principal’s Honor Roll every semester since her freshman year, and is a self-proclaimed math and science geek. She currently studies physics and pre-calculus as part of a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare her for a major in pre-med when she begins college in the fall of 2009. Jessie is also a member of the golf team at Aquinas and the junior golf program at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood, Kansas. She is a proud member of S.A.D.D., the French Club, I.C.A.N., and the Spirit Club. On March 2, 2008, Jessie will be inducted into the National Honor Society.

Entering the Miss Kansas Teen USA 2008 pageant was something Jessie thought would be fun. She enjoys challenging herself and trying new things constantly. It was an absolutely amazing moment when she won, having never entered a pageant before! In addition to the title, Jessie was honored with the “Best Interview Award”. Prior to the pageant, Jessie took part in Camp Inferno, a week-long camp for girls ages 15-19 through the Overland Park (Kansas) Fire Department that provides a hands-on experience in fire fighting, rescue and emergency medical training. Jessie had the opportunity to rappel from a 3-story building, crawl through a burning building to rescue a “victim”, saw a windshield from a car, and use the jaws of life to pry open a vehicle. The juxtaposition of Camp Inferno and the pageant illustrates Jessie’s fearlessness and passion for adventure.

Another passion for Jessie is the health and welfare of children. As a long-time weekly volunteer at Children’s Mercy Hospital, she enjoys the opportunity to brighten a child’s day. She has also donated her energies to various youth-related events such as Ident-a-Kid, Special Olympics, the Blue Valley Recreation Punt, Pass & Kick competition, and Runway to Your Heart.

Some of Jessie’s hobbies include shopping and going to the movies with friends, reading, playing golf, and dancing. She has studied ballet for 11 years, and also enjoys jazz and tap dancing. She is a sports fanatic and can be found watching the latest KU game or her revered Lakers on TV. Jessie also loves to travel and has visited Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, England, France and Spain. She and her family recently sponsored a Audrey, a French student, for 2 weeks, and Jessie spent 3 weeks with Audrey’s family in Paris and the south of France. One of the highlights for her was shopping at the Louis Vitton store in Paris!

Jessie is the daughter of Paul and Tracey Colonna, who have been married 22 years. She has an older sister, Megan, 21, who attends the University of Kansas. The family cat, Leroy, is a 19-lb. Maine coon who enjoys being spoiled by Jessie.

Jessie hopes to use her crown to bring attention and support to various children’s issues and also to her community. Jessie is very excited and honored to represent the State of Kansas at the Miss Teen USA 2008 pageant to be held in August.