One champions blood, organ and marrow donation in her father’s honor. The other is a Carnegie Hall violinist creating a QR-code system to report school water leaks.
Meet Megan Campbell and Samantha Manning, the newly crowned Miss Scottsdale and Miss Scottsdale’s Teen, as they prepare for Miss Arizona 2027.
Megan Campbell
Tell us something that would never make the official bio.
I love travel and gelato, so I once spent 30 days visiting 13 European countries with two of my best friends. We ate croissants at the Eiffel Tower, skipped through lavender fields in Provence, and built my first snowman in the Swiss Alps.
What memory of your father instantly brings him back?
I think of him whenever I see kites flying.
As a child, I loved flying kites at the beach while camping. I was terrified I would let go, but my father would reinforce my grip and reassure me that it was not going anywhere. He had me.
I have not flown a kite since he passed because I want to preserve that memory.
When did you turn something so personal into a public mission?
It took years before I felt comfortable sharing my grief. My experience felt isolating until I realized that, while personal, it was not unique.
Sharing my story has connected me with others and shown people why donor registration matters. It has also allowed me to take my advocacy nationwide and reach young adults who may never have considered becoming donors.
Samantha Manning
What do you remember most about performing at Carnegie Hall?
I remember thinking about everyone who helped me get there: my teachers, my family and all the hours of practice. It was one of those moments when you realize something is bigger than you.
Who is Samantha when the résumé disappears?
I am a side-quest person. A quick hangout with my friends somehow always becomes an adventure.
At night, I might read until 3 a.m., teach myself guitar, reorganize my room or talk to my family for far too long.
What does your perfect Scottsdale day look like?
A morning hike at Sunrise Peak, tennis, hanging in Old Town, and grabbing some ice cream (I prefer any blue kind).