Recent Kent State graduate, Matti-Lynn Chrisman has been crowned Miss Ohio 2018 and is headed for the Miss America Pageant this coming year!
Chrisman graduated this spring with a BFA in Musical Theater and will once again graduate this winter with a BA in Public Communication. She used her musical theater talents by singing and dancing for the talent portion of the competition, which she also won.
I caught up with Chrisman to ask her about this amazing opportunity:
Matti-Lynn Chrisman right after being crowned Miss Ohio 2018 on June 16
Her Campus: What went through your head the moment they announced you as Miss Ohio?
Matti-Lynn Chrisman: All I could think was “Thank you, God.” I’ve worked so hard for so long. When I heard my number called my whole body went limp, and I couldn’t breathe. I was lucky that my friend, Grace Brown, was holding my hand at the time. She helped pull me back up.
Matti-Lynn being crowned Miss Ohio 2018
HC: How long have you competed in the Miss America Organization?
MC: This was my third attempt at becoming Miss Ohio. The closest I’ve ever gotten to my dream was last year when I placed second runner-up to Miss Ohio 2017, Sarah Clapper. I also did the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen program for three years (2011-2013), and I was on the entertainment crew as a production dancer (2016).
HC: What kept you competing all these years?
MC: The family you receive when you start competing is unlike any other. When I think about it, I sort of came back every year for a week-long family reunion. The production team, the contestants, the chaperones and host families, the board, and everyone who volunteers to make Miss Ohio happen every year love each other and support each other in a way I will never be able to understand. I can’t imagine having a summer without a Miss Ohio week.
Matti-Lynn and fellow contestants during Miss Ohio week in Mansfield, OH
HC: What do you think was different this time around?
MC: This time around I was at peace. In the past, I’ve been so anxious to win that I didn’t let myself have fun. This year, I was completely and unapologetically myself. I let myself get to know every single person I came in contact with, and I gave myself permission to enjoy all the experiences. This helped me do my best and show the judges who I truly was.
HC: Who were your biggest supporters through all this?
MC: My parents have always been my biggest supporters. They were cheering me on every step of the way and screaming the loudest every time I was onstage. My friends were all there to cheer for me too. They made signs and brought glow sticks so that I could always see where they were sitting in the audience. Finally, my fellow contestants were there to help as well. We don’t see each other as competition. We see each other as sisters. When I felt down, they’d make me laugh. When I felt like giving up, they reminded me why I was there in the first place. They’re the best support system I could ever ask for.
Matti-Lynn with parents, Heath and Amiee Hayes and Matt and Terah Chrisman
HC: Can you describe your platform and why you chose it? (The Miss America Organization requires each contestant to have a platform which is defined as “personal involvement with a community/social issue” according to Missamerica.org. Contestants speak and raise awareness for their personal platforms.)
MC: My platform is called “Pain Isn’t Always Obvious,” and it talks about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. One in five adults will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. That’s over 45 million people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-34 years old, and approximately 87% of people who die by suicide have a mental health disorder. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders rank as the biggest health problem in North America, ahead of both cardiovascular disease and cancer. Organizations and people all over the world recognize that mental health is an issue, but our society still imposes a great negative stigma around mental illness. I’m striving to break down that stigma and teach people of all ages that keeping their mental health in check is just as important as their physical health.
For about two years, I struggled with depression and anxiety disorders that broke my entire life apart. Because of stressful and traumatic events, moving away from home, and having imbalanced hormones, I felt hopeless and unable to control my own life. I kept my problems hidden. I was afraid of what others would think of me and how they’d treat me if they knew I was struggling. I didn’t want to be labeled or negatively impacted by something I couldn’t control. The longer I stayed silent, the faster my depression suffocated me. I went through suicidal episodes throughout these two years. The state of my mental health kept deteriorating until I was no longer eating or sleeping correctly. It was only when I reached out to my friends and family that I started to find hope again. I made the decision to do anything and everything possible to take my life back. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to reach out and teach everyone that “Pain isn’t Always Obvious,” and about the part, they can play in mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
HC: What are you looking forward to the most during this upcoming year as Miss Ohio?
MC: I’m looking forward to all the excitement coming my way! This year is going to be full of appearances where I get to talk about my platform, perform songs, and meet new people! I’m also looking forward to competing at Miss America this September in Atlantic City! I’ve been dreaming of competing at Miss America since I was 15 years old, and it’s finally happening!
Matti-Lynn and Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen, Juliana Heichel, during their first public appearance at the Richland Mall
I have the honor of knowing Chrisman personally due to the fact that Chrisman is originally from Cambridge, OH and a fellow graduate from Cambridge High School. I can say from personal experience that Matti-Lynn is a phenomenal human being and deserves this opportunity so much. We danced together for years, and I always looked up to her as a dancer. She inspired me to dance with all my heart and was always an amazing role-model at the studio! Congratulations to our new Miss Ohio 2018, Matti-Lynn Chrisman!
Matti-Lynn with her blue Chevy Cruze from Graham Auto Mall
Follow her journey to Miss America 2019 on social media:
Instagram: @missamericaoh
Twitter: @missamericaoh
Facebook: Miss Ohio Scholarship Program
If you would like Miss Ohio to come and appear at any events feel free to email book@missohio.org or call 419.522.6677