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Barbara Gallo Farrell, Poughkeepsie Journal Published 6:00 a.m. ET June 19, 2019 | Updated 11:51 a.m. ET June 19, 2019
Lauren Molella, Miss New York 2019 talks about her platform following her win at the pageant, and how her career in pageantry has helped her life. Patrick Oehler, Poughkeepsie Journal
Lauren Molella likes to prove people wrong.
The Millbrook native is a decorated pageant veteran, one who has sights set on the crown and title of Miss America.
She also has a master's degree in Psychology, bachelor degrees in Psychology and Pre-Med, and has sights set on her doctorate.
At 24, Molella is an instructor in the Physics, Biology and Psychology departments at Dutchess Community College. And, she plans to fulfill that role while also serving as Miss New York for the next year.
"There is no way to control the conclusions people form before interacting with you or learning your story," Molella said .
Lauren Molella, center, is shown being crowned Miss New York 2019 by her predecessor, Rahmeka Cox. She’s being presented with a bouquet of flowers by Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen 2019 Sarah Lawrence. Miss America Nia Imani Franklin is in the yellow dress. The pageant was held June 8 at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill. (Photo: Paul Klecka/Courtesy photo)
On June 8, Molella was crowned Miss New York at a pageant in Peekskill, a title granting her entry to the vaunted Miss America Pageant.
The national competition has been held each year in the fall, though the date for the pageant has not yet been released. Miss New York 2018, Nia Franklin, is the reigning Miss America.
Though the classic idea of a pageant contestant may not inspire images of hard work in the classroom and hours of practice outside of it, Molella takes pride in breaking free of the stereotype.
Lauren Molella, takes a selfie with an anatomical model while in a biology lab at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on June 14, 2019. Molella is an adjunct professor of Biology. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)
And, the pageants have assisted in her educational pursuits. To date, she has earned more than $84,000 in scholarships throughout her time with the Miss America organization.
“I have gained a multitude of skills, such as confidence, poise, public speaking skills, the ability to understand and converse with diverse populations, and the chance to continue my education,” said Molella, who is also a classically trained ballet dancer. “I am so excited to serve the people of New York and the Miss New York Scholarship Organization.”
As Miss New York, she will spend her year of service promoting the empowerment of women by scholarship through community service and public events. Molella said she will help grow the organization by sharing with young women across the state the experiences and opportunities it has provided her.
"I try my best to make sure that those I meet learn about the values and goals of the (Miss America) organization," the 2012 Millbrook High School graduate said, "and know that a crown and sash does not give you a voice, it just amplifies the one you have already developed."
Lauren Molella, winner of the 2019 Miss New York pageant inside a biology lab at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on June 14, 2019. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)
Beginning early
Before Lauren Molella ever took the stage, her mother wore the crown. And an aunt before her.
In 1983, Holly Molella was named Miss Massachusetts. Lauren's aunt, Lisa Molella, was crowned Miss New York in 1989.
Now the Dean of Academic Affairs at DCC, Holly Molella said her daughter "always loved to dance."
Lauren Molella began her dance training at the New Paltz School of Ballet at the age of 3 and then continued training into adulthood, studying with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, both in the U.S. and in locations such as Bermuda. For the Miss New York talent competition, she danced ballet en pointe.
"At the end of high school she had to decide whether to pursue dance or go for her education," her mother said. "She decided she could do so much more with her education.”
Lauren Molella of Millbrook is Miss New York 2019. (Photo: Courtesy photo)
Lauren Molella won the title of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen in 2011 at the age of 16 with a platform of “No Texting and Driving.” She is the first person to have held both Teen and Miss titles in the Miss New York organization.
Around that same time, she began attending DCC as a bridge student while in high school, with a goal set of earning a doctorate in psychology.
She graduated twice from DCC with two associate degrees and then went on to study Pre-Med at Troy University in Alabama, where she also graduated twice, with bachelor degrees in Psychology and Pre-Med, before moving to Connecticut to work on her master’s.
“Ballet and dance will always be a passion but I learned how fostering knowledge and serving others can be so rewarding,” said Molella who had attempted two other state pageants, one in New York and one in Connecticut, where she was living and working on her master’s degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University.
Lauren Molella, winner of the 2019 Miss New York pageant inside a biology lab at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on June 14, 2019. Molella, an adjunct professor of Biology is a Millbrook native, and (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)
“Dance is still very much a part of my life,” she said. “I enjoy taking classes still and regularly teach at studios in the area. One place I always feel at peace is in the studio.”
It’s no surprise that her mother and father, Matthew, an IBM executive, and older brother, Graham, are proud of her accomplishments.
“She’s a great kid,” Holly Molella said. “I’m so proud, it’s something that she had her mind set on doing.”
Busy year ahead
During her year of service as Miss New York, Molella will speak about her platform, a social impact initiative for veterans called “Voices of Honor — Salute and Support.”
“I intend to spend the year working to implement suicide prevention statewide, address communities where risk factors such as PTSD are rampant, highlight our military women, and utilize social media and appearances to bring the people of New York to the forefront of helping our heroes,” she said.
Lauren Molella, winner of the 2019 Miss New York pageant describes what happens when a person gets a concussion while in a biology lab at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on June 14, 2019. Molella, an adjunct professor of Biology is a Millbrook native, and (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)
One thing Lauren Molella, who is an avid superhero fan and enjoys motorcycle riding, zip-lining and scuba diving in her spare time, hasn’t learned to do is baton twirling, which was her mother’s talent when she was crowned Miss Massachusetts in 1983.
“It’s a joke between the two of us,” Holly Molella said. “She always says, ‘Why didn’t you teach me that?’ ”
For young women interested in pursuing similar aspirations, Lauren Molella said the opportunity to make a difference in the world does not require a tiara.
The Miss New York crown and sash belonging to Lauren Molella, winner of the 2019 Miss New York pageant at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on June 14, 2019. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)
“The chance to amplify your voice and platform with a crown is truly the ability to make a difference,” she said. “However, you do not need a crown or sash to lobby for change, and can always work toward the world you feel we should live in.”
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