Johnstonian seeks Miss Rhode Island Teen USA title

Abigail Heiser has been in the Sun Rise several times as a member of the Johnston Police Department’s Explorer program, but she’s hoping that she’ll soon appear in the paper as the winner of the Miss Rhode Island Teen USA pageant.

“My mom always said I should do pageants,” said Heiser. “This year, I’m actually going through with it.”

Heiser was recently selected from many qualified applicants throughout the state as a finalist for the pageant, which will be held at The Vets in Providence from Sept. 8 through 10. The pageant is her first step that may lead her to the national Miss Teen USA pageant.

A junior at Johnston High School, Heiser said she really wants to use her singing and acting abilities to perform on stage. Born in California, she and her family moved to Johnston about six years ago. Encouraged by her music teacher, Mr. Ronald Lamoureux, she hopes to follow her passion by attending Berklee College of Music when she graduates.

Recently, Heiser finished as top vocalist among 15 contestants at a competition at the Hard Rock Café in Boston for the second year. She’s also been part of a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the State House, singing with the Army Band. She plays the piano, guitar, trumpet and bass and said her goal this year was to score above the 80s in her classes, especially music.

Heiser said that she’s entering the contest because she hopes to be a role model and provide inspiration to others, but that getting there is expensive for her. Participating in the pageant requires an $895 fee, which covers her expenses and the production of the show. She and her family have approached several businesses for sponsorships.

A GOFUNDME account has been set up for Heiser at www.gofundme.com/miss-rhode-island-teen, where she currently sits at $260 towards her goal. She said that she’d love to be a good representative for Johnston and Rhode Island.