Category: Titleholders

Olivia Culpo simply says:

"Beauty is found in the way you treat others."

Olivia Culpo graduated from St. Mary Academy Bay View in 2010 as a member of the National Honor Society. In high school, Olivia’s love for Italian language gave her the opportunity to take part in two foreign language programs to Milan, Italy. She continues her education as a sophomore at Boston University and has been placed on the Dean’s List every semester.

Olivia was raised in musically rich surroundings, with her parents both having begun their professional lives as musicians. In the second grade, Olivia began studying the cello and went on to participate in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, RI Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Bay View Orchestra and Rhode Island All-State Orchestra. As a cellist, Olivia won a seat in the Boston Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and a tour of England in 2010. She was accepted into an intensive summer music program at the Brevard Music Center, in North Carolina for two summers. She continues to perform with the Boston University Accompanietta. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In the words of Jaci:

"They say to be ready for ANYTHING at Miss USA. Beyond watching the news, working out, and perfecting my wardrobe... I've been practicing my best Ellen DeGeneres dance moves, mastering my British accent, and working on my rapping skills...I will be ready"

Jaci Stofferahn attended North Dakota State University for two years before transferring to Western Governor's University, where she is now finishing her business marketing degree. Jaci strengthened her academic and career experience by interning for former Senator Byron Dorgan as well as Senator Kent Conrad. She currently works as a dance and fitness instructor at Red River Dance and Performing Company, the only non-profit dance studio in Fargo.

Jaci says she views holding the title of Miss North Dakota USA as an opportunity to extend her charitable work. Her favorite organizations include the Children's Miracle Network, Compassion International, and the National Eating Disorder Association.

Jaci prides herself on being very dedicated to her family. “My family alone makes me one of the luckiest girls in the world. I wouldn't love others the way I do if it were not for the way they love me,” she says. She also says that among other things, her family loves practical jokes and although humiliating in her younger years, they have taught her to have a great sense of humor, laugh at herself, and to fear April Fools Day. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

The words of Marie-Lynn Piscitelli:

"Gracing the Miss USA stage is such an exceptional honor for me because it has been an ambition of mine since I was a little girl. I am living proof that the will to achieve – plus six years of persistence – equals a dream come true!"

Marie-Lynn Piscitelli has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, as well as a master’s degree in taxation. She is the owner of Makeup by Marie-Lynn and Perfect Body Online. Marie-Lynn dreams of becoming the first tax accountant to be featured as a cover model for “Oxygen” magazine. Her favorite hobbies include competing in fitness contests, getting artistic with cosmetics, traveling, reading, modeling, and baking. She describes herself as ambitious, passionate, and independent. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

The words of Kendyl Bell:

"Miss USA has given me the opportunity to be apart of something bigger than myself.  Recently, my older brother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer.  This has sparked my desire to use my title to advocate awareness and share the message to live strong, keep fighting, and never give up!"

Kendyl Carol Bell graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in communication.  During her studies at BYU, she was selected to be part of an internship program for the Utah State Senate.  The following year, she was asked to be Intermountain HealthCare’s intern during the legislative session, which set off her political career. Kendyl currently works with the municipal government in Utah as the Community Outreach Manager for Republic Services, focusing on recycling program implementation.

Kendyl also works as a Zumba instructor for various gyms in the Salt Lake Valley and has been a licensed instructor since October 2008.  She loves working out to all of the Latin rhythms, especially salsa.

In March 2011, Kendyl visited Peru to help provide free medical and dental care for the Peruvians in villages.  Additionally, Kendyl spent a month in Zambia, Africa making bricks, building schools, providing care for those suffering from AIDS, and playing with children. Her philanthropic work expanded following her diagnosis with Asthma at 17, when she began volunteering for the American Lung Association.  In 2008, she was given the Volunteer of the Year Award by the national American Lung Association for her Asthma education program, Blue Balloon Day that raised over $50,000 and reached 33,000 students

After losing her grandmother to Breast Cancer seven weeks before the Miss Utah USA competition, Kendyl would like to dedicate her year as Miss Utah USA to those affected by Breast Cancer. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy
  

In Sheena's own words:

"Being a Miss USA contestant has been the greatest journey of my life!  Each day leading to Miss USA is filled with breathtaking anticipation, beautiful moments, incredible opportunities...and LOTS of excitement!"

Sheena Monnin holds a bachelor’s degree in human service and a master’s degree in psychology. Sheena would like to continue her journey in higher education by returning to school to earn a Doctorate of Theology. One of her greatest accomplishments is that she has earned the second highest degree of public speaking in Toastmasters International.

Sheena’s philanthropic work includes giving her time to support the Bethlehem Haven Homeless Shelter and Operation Christmas Child.

Sheena enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and learning about earth and social science. Sheena believes her strongest talent is being an attentive and heartfelt listener. Sheena describes herself as persistent, focused and compassionate. (Bio courtesy of the Miss Universe Organization)

-Will the Pageant Guy