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!