Yamuna Turco Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Yamuna Turco is passionate about reading, a talented singer, and the current Miss Vermont. I was glad she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Yamuna Turco visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Vermont crown?

Winning Miss Vermont was an incredible honor and experience. I was incredibly lucky that my friends and family were able to attend. After pictures and meeting everyone who had come to attend the competition, my family and friends took me to dinner! We got sushi, which was much needed.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Vermont?

During my year as Miss Vermont there are several goals I’d like to accomplish, but the most important is the expansion of my Community Service Initiative (CSI). I hope to get as many different books as possible into schools, libraries, community centers, and into the hands of kids all across Vermont. My “big goal” is to go to every library in Vermont!

As the first member of this Miss America class to be crowned, how does it feel to be able to see new sisters being added to the class?

I am so excited to meet my new sisters! Getting to watch my class grow means I can experience their excitement with them and support them as they compete.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “One Book, One Child”?

I chose my CSI “One Book, One Child” because books have always been an integral part of my life. My parents read to my sister and me every night and have always encouraged us to explore the different kinds of books that exist in libraries and in our schools. As a first-generation American, books allowed me to learn about the culture I was growing up in, and the cultures my parents and friends came from as well. Books help get you lost in stories different than your own and broaden your view of the world. 

As a talented singer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

There is something indescribable about performing on stage for people. The lights, the stage, and the people, they all add to the experience of performing and it brings out something that you can not practice. You can engage with the audience and they motivate you to sing the best you can; you feed off each other’s energy. I love being able to see my friends and family in the audience, they give me a boost and help me power through a song and add the flourishes that really make a performance.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

If I could be a Disney character I would probably be Ariel, when she was a mermaid. I love the ocean and the sun, also being friends with a group of singing fish seems pretty cool!

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play at Fenway, who would you take with you? Why?

If I had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox, I would probably take my friend Meagan. Not only did she take the time to explain baseball to me, but she is also a huge fan of the Red Sox and is from Boston. Attending a game with her would be so much fun!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I really want to pitch at a game. Admittedly I would have to practice a couple of times, but it seems like so much fun and would be such an honor to do. 

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Oh, I'm sure we'd all have to practice a bit if given that opportunity!

As always, I want to thank Yamuna for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss America! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Yamuna during her journey. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on, and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Yamuna, and good luck!