HC: Can you tell me a little about your title? How did you become Miss Pittsburgh?
STEPHANIE: Sure! Miss Pittsburgh represents the Winacrown pageant system and the city of Pittsburgh along with surrounding areas. As Miss Pittsburgh, I make appearances at different events such as parades and I also do a lot of volunteering at retirement homes and with other different organizations. In order to become Miss Pittsburgh, I had to compete in the local preliminary last May and earn the title to represent my hometown, Miss Canonsburg. As Miss Canonsburg, I did a lot of appearances with the mayor of Canonsburg and also State Representative Brandon Neuman and State Senator Tim Solobay. I also visited the residents of local retirement homes as Miss Canonsburg. In September 2011, I competed in the final pageant at the Sheraton in Station Square and got the best scores in interview and swimsuit which were the two most heavily scored components of the pageant out of 4 components (evening gown and fashion flair).
HC: How long is the title for?
STEPHANIE: I will be the reigning Miss Pittsburgh until September 2012, but I can still make appearances as Miss Pittsburgh 2011!
HC: What do you hope to accomplish as Miss Pittsburgh and what have you already?
STEPHANIE: Last year, I did a lot of fun appearances such as being in the Columbus Day parade in Bloomfield and I also did a lot of volunteering at retirement homes. I created many different events for the residents such as, “Be a King or Queen for a Day,” where the residents decorated crowns with stickers. I also hosted a sing-a-long and worked on arts and crafts where we decorated Christmas trees with stickers. I have also be involved in the activities such as lunch with Santa and a vintage car show hosted by the North Strabane Township Parks & Recreation. This year, I plan on doing some more “glamorous” events such as being in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade and walking the runway in the Glitzburgh fundraiser. I am most excited about getting more involved with my cause “Domestic Abuse Awareness” and volunteering at women’s shelters around Pittsburgh.
HC: What is your favorite memory or experience during your time as Miss Pittsburgh?
STEPHANIE: The parades are always fun, but the most meaningful experience I have had as Miss Pittsburgh was visiting the residents of a local retirement home on Thanksgiving morning. Only 4 out of over 100 residents went home to enjoy time with their families and it was so touching to see how excited they were to have a visitor. It’s definitely easy to take something as common as family time for granted and the wonderful conversations I had with the residents definitely made a huge impression on me.
HC: Do you think there are any misconceptions people may have about pageants? Now is your chance to clear them up:)
STEPHANIE: I always laugh when I tell people that I compete in pageants and then they say “Oh, like ‘Toddlers and Tiaras?” There are so many different kinds of pageants but people tend to associate the word with the “glitz” pageants like the ones portrayed in “Toddlers and Tiaras.” Although those kinds of pageants do exist, there are so many other different kinds of pageants that are out there to help girls shine, build confidence, and are much more than judging looks. For example, in the Miss Pittsburgh pageant the interview competition comprises 50% of the entire score. Also, in interviews judges of pageants such as Miss USA are asking questions that involve the womens’ opinions on current social issues commonly discussed in society. I really want people to know that pageants are a great way to build self-esteem, as well as a great way to master interviewing skills that can benefit you later in life.
HC: What are some of your hobbies?
STEPHANIE: I have been figure skating and playing piano since I was 5 and I love doing both! I also enjoy volunteering, making friendship bracelets, knitting scarves, spending time with my family, working out, and modeling for photography schools and bridal shows.
HC: What groups are you involved with on campus and/or in the community?
STEPHANIE: I’m planning on going to PittKnitts and Panther Tango Club meetings. I’m also writing for Her Campus Pitt within the next couple of months!
HC: What do you love the MOST about the University of Pittsburgh?
STEPHANIE: I love being so close to Pittsburgh and being able to take the bus for free! I have lived so close to Pittsburgh my whole life and I love walking around and exploring. My favorite area is the Strip District because of the ethnic food shops and cute and inexpensive clothing shops!
HC: Last but certainly not least, guilty pleasure?
I am so addicted to chips and salsa. I can usually go through a jar of salsa in a day or two. It’s so good and it’s the perfect snack!