Mackenzie Longo Visits Section 36!

Photo: Soozie Harrison

Section 36 had another visitor! Mackenzie Longo is passionate about positive empowering young women, a future educator, and the current Miss Three Rivers. I was so thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Mackenzie Longo visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Three Rivers crown?

To be honest, I did a little happy dance around my college apartment after I received the call from Alysa, our current Miss PA, since it was a sweeps title. I called some friends and family, and then immediately got to work because I was just SO excited.

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

As Miss Three Rivers, I would love to provide science kits to at least two or three more schools, and hopefully partner with a major science program in the Pittsburgh area. Pittsburgh is a hub for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, so forming a partnership with one of the many businesses/programs in the area would allow me to leave an impact on a broader audience!

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Three Rivers?

Right now, I am working on getting together items for a silent auction basket and making appearances in the Pittsburgh Area. Pittsburghers are known for being friendly and supporting their own, and I am so honored that I have been able to experience that. The outpouring of support from the community has been lovely, and the opportunities that I've gotten from this experience are ones that I will never forget. I was recently honored by our soccer club, the Riverhounds, and the love I felt from the community and crowd during the game is something I can't even put into words!

How did you select your community service initiative, “If You Can See Her, You Can Be Her”?

Growing up, I never really had any strong female role models in science. I thought that to have a career in science, you had to be a scientist who worked in a lab alone OR go into medicine. Neither of those things interested me, but I had always loved experimenting and my science courses. As I got older and was choosing a career path, I realized that I could use my passion and love for science to help other young women. 

What can you tell me about “The Excellent Experimental STEM Experience”?

The Excellent Experimental STEM Experience, or TEESE for short, is the biggest outreach part of my community service initiative. I have created science kits for kids with tons of different experiments. I currently have two different kits designed, and also have a YouTube channel where I do the experiments myself. I know that students learn differently, and I want to acknowledge that! I have donated over 150 kits to students in two different age groups - 1st graders, and 5th/6th graders.

You just graduated from Seton Hill University with a degree in Biology. Where do you see that field taking you?

As of right now, my goal is to become a high school biology teacher. I chose my program because it allowed me to pursue my science degree while also receiving my teaching certification, and then if I choose not to stay in education, I have options. I hope to share my love of science with others, and show what types of careers there are in STEM. Eventually, I plan to earn an Ed. D. with a focus in STEM Education and move to higher education!

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

That's a really tough one. If we're considering Star Wars characters to be Disney characters, then I would probably say Princess Leia. She is just the definition of a strong, powerful woman, and I have always loved Star Wars since I was a little girl. If I went with a traditional character - it would have to be Belle. I absolutely love reading, and to have access to her scope of a library would be a dream.

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

I would most definitely have to take my older brother, Rob. He is a huge sports fan - so much that he made it part of his career! Growing up, I always remembered him being a big Red Sox fan, and whenever they came to town he would wear a Pirates jersey and Red Sox hat to the games. If he had to choose a MLB team other than the Pirates, I think they would still be his pick!

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

One of the traditions at Pittsburgh Pirates games is the Great Pierogi Race, which is more or less exactly what it sounds like. After the 5th inning, a bunch of mascots dressed as different Mrs. T's pierogis race around the warning track at the edge of the field. I think it would be fun to be Jalepeño Hanna just once so I could wack my competitors with the purse she carries. On a more general note, I've always wanted to throw out a first pitch!

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The pierogi race is just so weird!

As always, I want to thank Mackenzie 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Mackenzie 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. You'll also want to check out the TEESE website to see everything it has to offer.

Thanks again Mackenzie, and good luck!

Haley Passione Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Haley Passione is passionate about mental health, an event planner, and the current Miss Iron City. I was so flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Haley Passione visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Iron City crown?

I immediately called my mom! I didn’t have a typical crowning because I competed in a digital sweeps. After my interview in the morning, I had to wait all day for a phone call from Miss Pennsylvania, Alysa Bainbridge, so there was a lot of excitement and relief when it finally came! I’m super excited to be coming out of pageant retirement to compete this summer.

 

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

I’d like to work with local organizations, such as Prevention Point and the Allegheny County Health Department, to provide naxolone (Narcan) and training on identifying the signs of an overdose to as many bars and restaurants as possible in the Pittsburgh area. Not only is substance use (and abuse) prevalent in the food and beverage industry but servers and bartenders constantly encounter customers who are mixing substances without our knowledge. Having the skillset to identify that someone is overdosing and access to Narcan can be lifesaving.

 

What did you learn about yourself at the Iron City competition that will help you at Miss Pennsylvania?

Competing in a “digital sweeps” was a brand new experience forme. I competed for the title of Miss Nevada several times in college, so on-stage competition is comfortable for me at this point. I’m also a former theatre kid and I love being in front of a crowd. Having to compete digitally was way more nerve-wracking than I expected! But it really showed me how adaptable I can be to new situations, which makes me feel at ease going into Miss Pennsylvania because I’m new to this state organization.

 

How did you select your “mental health and harm reduction” community service initiative?

I chose mental health as part of my CSI because I’ve had my own struggles with depression and anxiety in recent years, and I know I’m far from alone. It can be hard to take the first step toward seeking help and I know how easy it is to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. I’m lucky that I have a really wonderful support system and access to mental health care. But millions of Americans are struggling with these conditions, and others, every single day and most of them aren’t receiving any meaningful care. I want to use my platform to share my story and encourage people to seek help when they’re struggling. The reason I decided to focus on harm reduction in addition to mental health is because they often go hand in hand. I worked full-time in the service industry for nearly 5 years, and I’ve seen the intersection of mental health and substance abuse many times. Harm reduction seriously can be as simple as taking car keys away from someone who’s had too much to drink and it makes a world of difference.

You’re working on a master’s degree in higher education. Where do you see that journey taking you?

College was such a transformative experience for me, and a lot of that was thanks to the Student Affairs staff at my school. They really played a role in teaching me how to be a real, functional adult once I graduated and inspired me to pursue this degree. The program I’m in at the University of Pittsburgh is heavily focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, so I hope to always be an advocate for students. My dream role is to be a director or vice president of Title IX/Compliance.

 

You currently work as an event planner. What do you enjoy about that experience?

I find that I’m naturally drawn to jobs where I get to work with people, which is probably why I was a bartender for so long. As an event coordinator, I love helping people turn their vision for their event into a reality! It’s really rewarding to see your work pay off as a successful event.

 

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

I have to go with Mary Poppins. The bottomless bag would be so helpful in my daily life. Especially on the days that I'm going straight from the gym to work to class!

 

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

I would absolutely take my best friend, Macie Tuell (some of you might know her as Miss Nevada 2021!) Sadly, I don’t get to see her often while she’s jet-setting around the world as a personal assistant. But we truly never have a bad time together and PNC Park is a stadium everyone should get to experience in their lifetime. Plus, the Pierogi Race is a can’t miss event.

 

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

My talent is singing, so I would love to perform the National Anthem at a Buccos game!

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I bet that would be wonderful.

As always, I want to thank Haley 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Haley 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 Haley, and good luck!  

Victoria Vespico Visits Section 36!

Matt Boyd Photography

Section 36 had another visitor! Victoria Vespico is passionate about sustainability, a published author, and the current Miss Lancaster County. I was honored that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Victoria Vespico visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Lancaster County crown?

The best part about being crowned Miss Lancaster County was getting to celebrate with my Miss America sisters (and real-life best friends). Miss Lancaster 2022 (Now Miss Central PA), Miranda Moore, got to crown me. She and the newest Miss Red Rose City, AmandaGrace Krier are my best friends in the world. We celebrated how amazing it was to share such an awesome story and sisterhood. We also facetimed the fourth member of our little group, Shannon Cattie, Miss Greater Juniata Valley.

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

As Miss Lancaster County, my main goal is to serve my community and promote sustainability throughout the commonwealth. I have some big goals, but I want to show how sustainability and sustainable development are possible and achievable- especially starting out in small, local communities.

What did you learn about yourself while competing for Miss Lancaster County that will help you when you compete for Miss Pennsylvania?

I have been competing in the Miss America organization for ten years. With each local you gain more skills in leadership, public speaking, and confidence on stage. While I cannot pinpoint a single “new” thing I learned, I was able to broaden my network and meet new amazing women from all over Pennsylvania. Gaining new sisters in by far the best part of the local season.

How did you select your community service initiative, “Sustainability Starts with You”?

I have been a Girl Scout for 19 years. Within the Girl Scout Law, we promise to use our resources wisely and make the world a better place. These are two of the tenants of the Sustainable Development Goals laid our by the United Nations. In 2017, my local Girl Scout Council threatened to sell our beloved Camp Archbald (I know, it sounds like a Hallmark movie). A group of camp alumni came together to form a nonprofit called the Supporters of Camp Archbald. Our goal was to protect the property, increase property usage and camper numbers, and preserve a Girl Scout landmark for years to come. That activism and work is what really kickstarted my drive for sustainable development which lead me to advocate for and educate about sustainable lifestyles.

You host the Sisters in Sustainability podcast. What is that experience like?

Hosting and producing the Sisters In Sustainability Podcast has been an amazing experience. Since launching Sustainability Starts With You, my goal has been to show people that sustainability is more than just climate action. I have also aimed to highlight how the work of every titleholder impacts the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. All of this, paired with my love for producing and writing, the #SiSPod was born! It has been wonderful getting to share my social impact with people all over the country, helping me to further my mission. It’s also awesome getting to learn about other women’s service initiatives and applying the to the 17 SDGs for the world to see!

You’ve written a couple books. What can you tell me about your most recent, Bring a Bucket?

Matt Boyd

Bring A Bucket is my way of teaching kids how to take part in simple sustainable action. The act of picking up a piece of plastic or any type of litter not only helps with the beautification of our planet, but is could potentially save the life of a marine animal. This helps target SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 14 (Life Below Water). I know that children are our future. By educating them about sustainable action from a young age, they are more likely to embrace sustainable lifestyles in the future!

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

If I could be any Disney Character it would probably be Jessie from Toy Story! She is a tough girl with a heart of gold! Her courage is unwavering and she is incredibly loyal to her friends/family. Plus, her sidekick is Bullseye, the coolest horse in the whole Disney universe. As a farm girl myself and someone who grew up working with horses, Jessie is just the perfect fit!

If you had an extra ticket to a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game, who would you take with you? Why?

 My best friend and your Miss Red Rose City, AmandaGrace Krier! She is my partner in crime and the first person I call every day! I can’t imagine my life without her and she makes every single event even more fun! Her and I both love pro-sports. And, since she is also a Lancaster representative, there is no one else I could see myself at a game with!

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

I LOVE baseball games. The entire atmosphere displays such high energy and excitement. My favorite part of any game is a ballpark hotdog! But. I would really love to sing the national anthem at a Barnstormers game and use some of my time to advocate for sustainability while I was there!

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I definitely think she needs to get that feature at the Barnstormers! 

As always, I want to thank Victoria 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Victoria during her journey as Miss Lancaster County. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. You should also be sure to check out her Sisters in Sustainability podcast to see all the valuable information shared there.

Thanks again Victoria, and good luck!

Maria Cade Visits Section 36!

Photo Anthony Panzino

Section 36 had another visitor! Maria Cade is passionate about representation, a talented singer, and the current Miss Central Pennsylvania. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Maria Cade visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Central Pennsylvania crown?

After earning the job of Miss Central Pennsylvania, I celebrated with my family! My mom, grandmother, and cousin drove over three hours to watch the competition. I was so grateful that they could be there for that moment! We shared so many hugs and then spent the evening at dinner celebrating the day!

What part of the upcoming Miss Pennsylvania competition are you most nervous about?

I wouldn't say I'm nervous, but I have been putting a lot of time into preparing for this year's talent portion. I am a classical vocalist and studied vocal performance while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This year, I will be performing an Italian aria that has pushed my vocal abilities to the limit, both technically and emotionally. To me, feeling butterflies in your stomach before any event means that you care, so I like to view any "nerves" before a performance in a positive light. I can't wait to perform my talent for everyone this year and showcase what I've been working on!

What’s something Meghan Sinisi is doing as Miss Pennsylvania that you would like to emulate?

I feel very fortunate that I was able to spend last year's Miss Pennsylvania week right next to Meghan, as we were number 7 and number 8 in the lineup! Watching her shine as Miss Pennsylvania and serve the commonwealth with such grace has been a joy. I most admire her tenacity and dedication to service. If there was an event in the state, chances are Meghan was there. If chosen as her successor, I hope to continue this level of excellence she has demonstrated throughout her year.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Be V.I.S.I.B.L.E”?

Growing up in a small community, I often struggled with the idea of belonging because I come from a different background than most in my town. My mom is Italian and my dad is Taiwanese. I often grappled with embracing all parts of my identity, in my personal and professional life. It wasn't until my senior year of college when I met a Journalism professor who was also Taiwanese, that I truly felt like I could succeed as a journalist. Now more than ever, it is vital that our youth feel represented no matter who they are or where they come from. I chose my SII after realizing the importance of seeing representation in all areas. How can a child imagine that they can do something without visually seeing someone like them do it first? I want every child to know that no matter who you are or where you come from, your success is only limited by the depths of your imagination. 

What do you enjoy about performing your talent on stage?

I am always up for a challenge, so when choosing a song for my talent, I knew I wanted something that would demonstrate technical complexity while also showcasing my vocal strengths. I most enjoy bringing a sense of drama to the stage. As someone who grew up performing in musicals, I love to embody characters who are unlike myself and create a shared experience with the audience. To me, there is no thrill quite like a live performance, and I love getting to have a hand in that during the talent portion.

You’re working as a reporter for WTAJ. What do you enjoy about that field?

I am currently a multimedia reporter at WTAJ, which means I

pitch stories, conduct interviews, write the scripts, film video footage, edit the b-roll and write the web stories! It's a lot of work but I love that every day is different. When I wake up, for the most part, I never know what exciting adventures I will be going on for the day. I also enjoy getting to be in the community and meet the people of Central Pennsylvania. I am often traveling between six different counties for stories on any given week, so it has been a joy to tell the stories of community members across Central Pennsylvania.

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

I am a HUGE Disney fan, and even worked for the company as a Disney Professional Intern for ABC News. If I could be any character for a week I would be Ariel. She is my favorite Disney princess and is a singer like me! I would also love to explore the underwater city of Atlantica where she is from.

If you had an extra ticket to a Pittsburgh Pirates game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would bring my grandpa! Every summer for Father's Day, my family treats him to a Pirates game in June. He loves the atmosphere of baseball games and also spends a lot of time watching my younger brothers play. It's always a great day getting to spend time with him at a game.

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

As a singer, I would love to sing the National Anthem at a Pirates Game one day! It's a challenging song, but it would be an honor to perform at PNC Park! Also, for a Pittsburgh-specific event, I would love to run with the pierogis in the Pierogi race!

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Oh yeah, running with the Pierogis would be so much fun! 

As always, I want to thank Maria 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Maria during her journey as Miss Central Pennsylvania. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account as well as her personal social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter). They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Maria, and good luck!

Shakira Jackson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Shakira Jackson is passionate about voting, a talented singer, and the current Miss Steel City. I was so excited that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Shakira Jackson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Steel City crown?

I went to Pittsburgh's best restaurant Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood, and directly after winning, I called my mom, who is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and we screamed and cried because this was such a milestone for my family. My mom got pregnant with me at a young age, so she did not get a chance to pursue pageantry, and she tells me every day I am her second chance.

What part of the upcoming Miss Pennsylvania competition are you most nervous about?

I am most nervous about modeling my gowns. I tend to put a lot of my personality into my stage presence, not that this is a bad thing; I just fear it might be a little too much. That is why I decided to get a pageant coach since I did not have a lot of coaching on my stage presence. With the help of my coach, I will win states!

What is something that Meghan Sinisi is doing as Miss Pennsylvania that you would want to emulate?

Something that Meghan Sinisi is doing as Miss Pennsylvania that I would want to emulate is speaking at local events and implementing my platform in creative ways. I think Meghan does a great job with communication and spreading awareness about her social impact, and just like her, I want to connect with different audiences and make people feel inspired and empowered.

How did you select your social impact initiative?

I have also been politically involved in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia community, so my social impact came from my passion for civic engagement. I have worked as a poll worker and have even had the chance to testify to the Pennsylvania commission about fair redistricting map drawings. I chose my social impact off of what was close to home for me because I have seen people in my community lose hope in our democracy, and I want to change that narrative. Not voting is giving up your voice, and it sucks that people are losing hope in our system. I just want to be the change I want to see, and I want people to see the power voting yields. 

What do you enjoy about performing your talent on stage?

I enjoy storytelling and allowing people to tune into my emotions. Music has always been a source of expression and outlet for me, and I enjoy sharing my talent, which is singing, because it allows people to take a walk through all of my pain and happy moments. Music has also brought people together around me, so that is an element I love to share as well.

You’re currently studying politics at University of Pittsburgh. Where do you see that field taking you?

I see this field leading me to one day be a political representative and, most importantly, guide my work in the lead and serving others. To me, community service and outreach are everything. Someone has to take the initiative. I come from a long line of people who have dropped out of school, become teenage moms very young, and were very limited in opportunity. I take all of my generational stories as motivation because it allows me to create opportunities for the next. I am a first-generation college student graduating a year early, and I will still be twenty years old when I receive my bachelor's degree; I will be attending Georgetown University in the fall, continuing my education in Democracy and Governance and Law.

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

I would be Princess Tiana. I would choose her because, just like her character emphasis, I believe in hard work taking you far. I come from a very impoverished background, but when people look at me, they don't see where I come from but rather where I am going. Also, just like Princess Tiana, I believe I am almost there! I want to one day run for office, and we need more young people who are willing to run, so I've been preparing for my campaigning announcement and more information to come soon about this.

If you had an extra ticket to a Pittsburgh Pirates game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my grandma Sharon. My grandma has been one of my biggest supporters since I started my Miss America journey, and that's a debt I will never be able to repay, but I know she has also never been to a Pirates game but has always wanted to, so if I could make that dream come true for her I would, and I plan to! It will be an experience for the books!

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

I would love to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates game as I have not gotten a chance to, and since the pandemic limited a lot, I am super eager to go to a game in the next month and make an appearance as Miss Steel City and as a super Pirates fan! Also, I am looking forward to trying the stadium food as all of my friends have bragged about it.

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PNC is absolutely a great place to watch a game! 

As usual, I want to thank Shakira 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 Pennsylvania! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Shakira during her journey as Miss Steel City. You should be sure to check out her title's Instagram account and her personal Instagram. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on. 

Thanks again Shakira, and good luck!