Miss Teen USA 2012 pageant returns to Atlantis Paradise Island

New York, March 19, 2012 - The Miss Universe Organization and Atlantis, Paradise Island announced today that the 30th Annual MISS TEEN USA® Competition will take place on July 28, 2012 at Atlantis,in the Bahamas. The pageant will be streamed LIVE at 8:00 PM ET on www.missteenusa.com. This will be the fifth consecutive year that Atlantis has hosted the Miss Teen USA® Competition, and the fourth year the Miss Teen USA®Fantasy Camp will be offered in the days leading up to the competition.

"We are excited to return to Atlantis,Paradise Island resort for the 30th Anniversary of our Miss Teen USA competition," said Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization. "Atlantis is built for family entertainment, and our teens always have an incredible experience. The Fantasy Camp is a great opportunity for any teenager whether she wants to compete in pageants or work on developing fundamental life skills."

In addition to the competition,the fourth annual iss Teen USA® Fantasy Camp at Atlantis will take place July 24 - 29, 2012. This camp, endorsed by the Miss Universe Organization, provides prospective pageant competitors with an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at the preparation required to become a national titleholder or even Miss Teen USA!

To win the coveted title, each contestant from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview.Last year, 18-year old Danielle Doty of Texas was crowned Miss Teen USA 2011. Throughout the year, Doty has worked with several key cause alliances including Best Buddies, Project Sunshine, and Reach Out and Read. Most recently, she traveled throughout Germany on a USO Tour in support of our troops and military families overseas. The Miss Teen USA show will conclude with Doty crowning her successor.

SOURCE: Miss Universe Organization, 3/19/2012