As we reach the summit of the Miss U.S.A. mountain, it becomes clear that it's not enough to be a run of the mill smoke. Quality talent is everywhere thanks to the smoke industry's democratization via Instagram and Facebook. For a Miss U.S.A. contestant to truly stand out, she needs to be special.
While every Miss U.S.A. is a unique snowflake, these significant seven stand out. They put the "exceptional" in American exceptionalism.
7) Miss Nevada USA Nia Sanchez
Nia is a fourth degree in Taekwondo, has competed internationally, and is a grand champion martial artist.
6) Miss Wisconsin USA Bishara Dorre
Before she became a local Wisconsin sports reporter, Bishara got her feet wet in sports media by balancing j-school with dancing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
5) Miss California USA Cassandra Kunze
Cassandra is a member of the American-Israel Friendship League. She called her trip to the Holy Land an "enriching experience" and encourages everyone to visit.
4) Miss Virginia USA Arielle Rosmarino
Arielle placed second in the country in a bubblegum blowing contest, which earned her a college scholarship.
Her largest bubble was 21 inches wide and she has blown up to seven bubbles inside one bubble.
Talent.
When she began her career in bubbleblowing, Arielle took up pageantry and wrestling. She sinks in one deep half nelson.
3) Miss Texas USA Lauren Guzman
Lauren bow hunts, shoots shotguns, and volunteered for the Texas State Guard. You would think that if she had a tattoo or two, she would become more of a national story.
2) Miss Pennsylvania USA Valerie Gatto
According to a story about Valorie from the Pittsburgh Tribune:
Her mother was raped at knife-point and managed to escape her attacker, but soon realized she was pregnant with his child. Keeping the pregnancy a secret, she intended on giving the baby up for adoption. Unyielding support from family members and a strong belief that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle changed her mind.
Her mother’s decision to turn a negative into a positive resonated deeply in Valerie’s life. Growing up, her participation in church and the Girl Scouts reinforced the importance of giving back.
Hard work, sacrifice and a positive attitude enabled Valerie to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh, pursue acting opportunities and, most recently, snag the crown in the Miss Pennsylvania pageant without missing a beat in her philanthropic pursuits. And as far as she’s concerned, she’s only just begun.
1) Miss Ohio USA Madison Gesiotto
Madison interned for Romney for President in Ohio.
I hear a young Erika Harold in Madison's Miss Ohio answer to Obamacare's effects on the state's youth.
OH-IO for Miss U.S.A. 2014.
