This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Amy Rhodin.

Freshman Brianne Hiltz, who was named Miss Connecticut Teen 2008, did not make it into the Top 15 of the Miss Teen USA competition on Aug. 16 at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas. The winner of the competition was Stevi Lauren Perry from Arkansas.

Hiltz, who admits she is unique from the typical pageant participant, believes it was her strong opinion in the interview portion that set her back in the competition.

“I think what killed me was that in the interview portion they asked me why I wasn’t here for an acting or modeling opportunity,” explained Hiltz. “I simply responded (that) the entertainment business is cutthroat and you always need an education to fall back on…I was just being honest!”

Despite not winning, the blond beauty queen cherished her first national pageant experience.

“I got to swim with dolphins and meet some pretty cool girls,” she said. “So I did walk away with a smile and a great experience.”