Ava Celentano, Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2024, is a 14 year student from North Haven. She is currently a homeschooled freshman carrying a 4.0 GPA. Prior to transitioning from public school this year, Ava was a straight A, High Honor student, who recently received the prestigious Bryan Donahue Humanitarian Award. This award was based on an exemplary commitment to the community, while demonstrating compassion, integrity, humility and responsibility, as well as positively impacting her school.

As an award winning writer and passionate advocate for animals, she even authored a children’s book where our furry friends teach us about kindness, inclusivity and acceptance. At the age of 8, she developed a program to assist animal shelters in securing much needed food and supplies. What started as an idea to recycle bottles and cans to raise money and help the earth, has grown into her platform, now known as Action for Animals. Ava has had the honor of modeling for several designers during New York Fashion Week and was recently featured on a Times Square Billboard for Supermodels Unlimited.

In her freetime, she finds enjoyment in baking and traveling. She has even been lucky enough to swim with sea turtles in Barbados! Cooking is a family affair in her house, which led to her work with the global nonprofit, Lasagna Love. With a mission to feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities, Ava has partnered with this organization to provide home cooked meals to families and individuals in surrounding towns.

Having faced medical challenges in the past, Ava understands the value of being cared for. This has fueled her passion to attend a competitive university with the dream of becoming a doctor. She aspires to work in pediatrics with the hopes of showing children that they do not have to be defined by their illness.

She is an avid Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s hockey fan, having regularly attended games since she was in 4th grade. She distinctly remembers the positive impact that the players had on both her and her classmates when they visited their school to read to the classes. She is focused on creating a deep impact on children and teens during her year of service. Through both her platform and children’s book, she looks forward to helping students find their passion and make a meaningful impact in their communities!