Alexis Ferreira Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Alexis Ferreira is a dancer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Bristol County. I’m so glad she

was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I'm sure you'll love reading what she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Alexis Ferreira visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Bristol County crown?

I celebrated with family, friends, and also my 2 teen queens who had just titled as well. I ate mini cheese burgers and fries from TGI Friday’s…….I was starving by the end!

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

Holding the title as Miss Bristol County gives a lot of locations for service. I have a goal to try to serve in every city under Bristol County before my year is up!

What did you learn about yourself during the Miss Bristol County competition that will help you at Miss Massachusetts?

I went into this competition with no expectations, I enjoyed getting ready with my friends, eating pizza and snacks and didn’t over think. I think I learned that when the time is right it will happen, and if things do not go the way you thought or had hoped, the world will NOT end. I still have a lot of learning to do throughout my year!

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage on stage?

I love the rush of happiness and energy it brings to not only myself,

but to whoever is watching. Once you step on that stage all eyes are on you and I have learned over the years (especially if you are the only dancer there) that even if you know you messed up the audience doesn’t.

How did you select your platform, "Unplug and be Present"?

From observing customers at my job to my younger cousin and students that I teach. I noticed that a lot of people are glued to their phone, tablet, etc. In high school I was obsessing over social medias as newer ones were being created, and I do still use them, but I have had more realizations that technology is not the end all be all. I realize that our world is becoming more technologically advanced as the years go by, but I feel that children/teenagers are focusing more on how many likes they get or would prefer to watch a video of a girl playing with toys rather than playing with friends or making memories face to face.

Who is your favorite current Red Sox player? Why?

I would have to say Mookie Betts because we share the same birthday, and he has been a great asset to the team since he has been with the Red Sox!

Is there a feature or aspect of a Red Sox game at Fenway that you’d like to experience?

I would love to experience throwing the first pitch. For them, the field is there stage and I would love to experience it from their point of view!

The Red Sox were honored at Gillette before a Patriots game recently to celebrate winning the World Series. What are the chances the Patriots will be able to return the favor by celebrating a Super Bowl win at Fenway next season?

I think that would be fantastic!! It just shows that even though they are two individual sports with different rules and way of play, we can still come together and celebrate as they both represent the same area! The odds are in their favor for a Super Bowl win so maybe the Sox can pass on the good luck!

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That would be great to see!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Alexis for doing this interview, and for providing the amazing pictures to accompany it. They're really perfect! I also want to wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown this summer. It would be amazing to have a former visitor once again take home that crown.

As Alexis continues her time as Miss Bristol County, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Bristol County Facebook. It’ll be worth your time! 

Thanks again Alexis, and good luck!

Alyssa Maitoza Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Alyssa Maitoza is a dancer, a Red Sox fan, and the current Miss Bristol County. She is presently

gearing up for the Miss Massachusetts competition at the end of the month. I’m flattered that she was willing to take the time out of her busy schedule to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading everything she had to say!

So, let’s see what happens when Alyssa Maitoza visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate being crowned Miss Bristol County?

Right after I won Miss Bristol County, I had a cheeseburger and fries! I was so hungry after having such a long day of competition, but after that, I spent time with my family that came to support me that day. 

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Bristol County?

I am constantly surprised by the influence I have, especially on young children. When kids see someone with a sparkly crown, they pay attention to your every move. It is such a blessing to be able to be a role model for young girls in my travels, and my favorite moments are when they tell me they'd like to be just like me when they grow up. It seems like I was in their shoes not too long ago, and I am so grateful to have this platform to be a role model. 

You’re a former Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, but this will be your first trip to the Miss Massachusetts stage. What aspect of that upcoming competition are you most nervous about?

Most people think I'd be wary of the Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit phase, just because this is my first time having to compete in that on stage, but I'm actually really excited for that phase. Much like when I competed at the teen level, I am always most nervous for the onstage question. I absolutely love the interview phase, but the onstage question is so much more of a high pressure situation in my mind. I always have to take a deep breath before I answer, and tell myself that it always ends up being just fine.  

How did you select your platform, “The Arts in Action”?

Choosing "The Arts in Action" as my platform was a no-brainer. It has been my platform since I started competing at the teen level as a 13 year old, and I don't think I would ever change it. I have been singing, dancing, and acting for as long as I can remember, and the performing arts have helped me through every up and down in my life. I have seen firsthand how the arts can make a difference, and I want to be an advocate for how important they are. I am a strong proponent of keeping the arts alive in our school systems, especially since schools are becoming more and more of a stressful environment for kids.

As a superb dancer, what is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage? 

My favorite part about tapping on stage is the audience's reaction. I chose tap as my talent because it is always so awe-inspiring, and people go crazy for tap! 

You recently played the role of Belle in Rhode Island College’s production of Beauty and the Beast. What was that experience like?

Playing Belle was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Something about her just set my soul on fire, and throughout the process I got so attached to how empowered she made me feel. I loved exploring new ways to make this classic Disney princess more of a strong, and independent woman with each rehearsal. Our wonderful director, Bill Wilson, just kept telling me over and over again, "I am woman, hear me roar," and if one quote were to describe my Belle, it would be that one. I was also so fortunate to have such a supportive cast and crew that I now consider a second family, and Beauty and the Beast will always hold a special place in my heart. 

If you can’t sit in Section 36, where would you like to sit to watch a Red Sox game?

If I could sit anywhere to watch a Red Sox game, I would want to sit close to the dugout, to see the players get ready to knock em out of the park, and so I'd have a nice view of the green monster. 

Who is your favorite Red Sox player? Why?

My favorite player right now is Mookie Betts, because he's a great player, and he has the BEST outfield dance! 

How do you think the Red Sox will finish the 2018 season?

I think the Red Sox could win the World Series this year! 

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I think she’s absolutely right!

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Alyssa for doing this interview, especially since she has so much going on right now getting ready Miss MA. (I should point out that between the times Alyssa did the interview and when I could actually post it, Miss America eliminated the "Lifestyle and Fitness in swimsuit" phase from their competition, although that phase will still be at Miss MA. I think it’s interesting that she was looking forward to that phase.) I also want to thank her for providing the pictures to accompany the interview. They definitely spruce up the post, and make it a lot more fun to read.

As Alyssa continues her time as Miss Bristol County, I encourage you to follow her on the official Miss Bristol County Facebook page. 

I also want to wish Alyssa luck this month as she competes for the Miss Massachusetts crown! It’d be fantastic to once again have a prior visitor to Section 36 take home that title! 

Thanks again Alyssa, and good luck!