Stephanie Finoti Visits Section 36!

It's time for another visitor to Section 36! Stephanie Finoti is passionate about STEM, is a talented dancer, and is the current Miss Ohio. I was honored she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. 

So, let's see what happens when Stephanie Finoti visits Section 36! 

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Ohio crown?

I celebrated my win by sleeping! I was incredibly sick during the competition and actually broke a fever the first night of prelims so some good rest was necessary for me to recover! Once I felt well-rested I was super excited to share the good news with my colleagues within my UPRISE internship at the University of Cincinnati, in which they surprised me with a pizza party and cupcakes to celebrate!

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

I’m most nervous about creating my Miss America gown! There are so many beautiful gowns to choose from I can’t pick just one! However, I know the amazing team at our sponsor, Henri’s, will help me design the perfect gown that best represents my energy and personality on the Miss America stage!

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

Throughout my year as Miss Ohio, my goal is to make every person in the rooms I enter feel as if they have the potential to make a difference in the world regardless of their age, background, ethnicity, or gender. Whether it be in the STEM field or not, I hope to help students from marginalized communities across Ohio reach their untapped potential!

How did you select your community Service Initiative, “That STEM Girl”?

As a first generation American and first generation college student, I faced many barriers when trying to achieve a higher education, specifically in the STEM field. I figured that when I didn’t have the resources or mentors I needed in my community, it was up to me to learn the skills that would help me reach my goals. Through this I developed a tool box that included building a professional portfolio, learning how to gain mentors through networking, and writing award winning scholarship essays which helped me afford my college tuition and gain valuable experience in the healthcare field as a nurse assistant. I now teach these skills to students through my non-profit organization, That STEM Girl, to help bring resources, representation, and recruitment into low-income and marginalized communities. 

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

My favorite part of dancing on-stage is when I’m able to connect with the audience by telling a story with both my facial expressions and body language. 

You are studying to become a pediatrician. What drew you to that field?

My mom was a neonatal nurse in Brazil so I’ve always admired that field by hearing her miraculous stories. However, what truly drew me to pediatrics  how I am continuously inspired by the resilience of pediatric patients who demonstrate strength through the most serious diagnosis. They show me that there is always some good in even the worst situations and motivate me to have a positive outlook in life. 

What is your personal fitness routine?

I don’t have as much of a personal fitness routine, it’s more of a lifestyle. Every week looks different for me in regards of my schedule and availability to go to the gym and I have never been a fan of diet culture. Instead of having a set diet and routine, I like to think mindfully about what I’m eating in regards to what nutrients I’m fueling my body with and try to take a step towards my personal fitness each day. Sometimes that means going to the gym for 2 hours but sometimes it only means taking the stairs during my 12 hour shifts at the hospital. No matter how small the effort, it is still a great contribution to my overall healthy lifestyle! 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Reds play the Guardians, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my 11 year old little brother, Sean, who is an athlete himself! He always supports my endeavors whether it’s watching a pageant or supporting me at my appearances so it would be nice to treat him to an event that piques his interests! 

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

I have an upcoming appearance at a Reds game as the honorary captain, which I'm really looking forward to! With this role, I'll have the opportunity to talk to the players and coaches, and I'm eager to learn how they get into the right mindset before a game. I hope to gain some insights that will help me prepare for Miss America!

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That definitely sounds like an incredible experience!

As always, I want to thank Stephanie 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 amazing to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

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

Thanks again Stephanie! And, good luck!

Marina DeNunzio Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Marina DeNunzio is passionate about sustainability, an event planner, and the current Miss Buckeye State. 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 Marina DeNunzio visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate the Miss Buckeye State crown?

I decided to get food with friends at our favorite Mexican place on campus! It was a great way to celebrate with friends and get excited about Miss Ohio.

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

My biggest goal was to meet with student Environmental/Earth Club’s around Central and Northeast Ohio. I’ve actually been able to already accomplish that goal! I’ve met with three clubs already, sharing educational resources from our organization partners and helping them create goals for their club for next school year. As a future educator and environmental advocate, empowering our students to care for Earth is so important to me and these students have taught me just as much as I have taught them! 

What portion of the upcoming Miss Ohio competition are you most nervous about?

I’m most nervous about the private interview portion- mainly

because I’m so excited to tell the judges about myself and my mission I hope I can get it all in in 10 minutes! 

How did you select your community service initiative, “The SAVE Initiative”?

I started SAVE when I was around 15 and competing in the Miss Ohio’s Outstanding Teen program. It’s taken on a few names since then but the love of environmentalism and teaching people about sustainability has remained the same. My mom instilled in me a love of the environment early on so when I first started seriously volunteering with Cleveland organizations like the Donnybrook Watershed and Drink Local Drink Tap, it became the obvious choice for my teen platform and now my CSI. SAVE has led to me take on roles like Director of Sustainability in Ohio State’s student government and expand my reach into Central Ohio as well. I love this planet and think its super important we take care of it, so I’m just sharing that message with everyone who will listen! 

What is your favorite part about performing your talent on stage?

I’ve been singing since I was little and it’s my favorite form of expression. Being able to share that love of music with the judges and audience is something so special.

You are pursuing a career in education. What do you enjoy about that field?

I student taught for spring semester last year and had a blast. Being able to connect with my students is on of my favorite things. I’m super excited to have my own classroom one day soon and share my love of history with middle or high schoolers. Not every student enjoys history but if I can make it even a fraction more fun for them, that’s enough for me. 

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

Jessie from Toy Story! I love the Toy Story movies and I’d love to be a cowgirl in that universe. 

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

Funnily enough, I have tickets with my family to go see the Guards play the Red Sox right before I move into my Miss Ohio host home. My first answer would be my dad who gave me his love of baseball but since he and my mom are already going, I’d love to take my best friend of 12 years, Tiffany. 

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

I would love to throw the ceremonial first pitch or sing the National anthem! I’m hoping to do both very soon. 

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I'll definitely be on the lookout for pics from all those opportunities!

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

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

Lora Current Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Lora Current is passionate about reading, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Ohio. I was thrilled that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Lora Current visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Ohio crown? 

Really reflecting on where I’d been. A lot happened (Covid-19) during my first year competing but through that there was a lot of growing done on my part. After getting crowned I spent much of my time in conversations with my mentor to unpack the experience.

What part of the upcoming Miss America competition are you most nervous about?
Talent! During my freshman year of college I broke my pelvic bone pole vaulting. Due to complications, I still have some pain in my hip and it can make jazz dancing a challenge. However, I didn’t want to switch my talent to anything else because of my love for dance that I want to showcase!

You were recently able to appear in the iconic Show Us Your Shoes parade at the Miss America 100th anniversary celebration. What was that experience like?
It was so much fun! I was able highlight my background in agriculture with a 4H theme. It opened up many conversations about Ohio agriculture, food production, and the 4-H program. It was also so fun seeing all the other candidates in their costumes and learning about things that make their home state special and unique.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Read On: Empowering Literacy, Learning, and Leadership”?
Entering my first year of junior high, I was enrolled in tutoring for my reading and cognitive skills. I hated being in this tutoring because it made me feel different from my peers and less valuable. However because of these resources and the support from my family and teachers, I was able to catch up to the reading levels of my peers and graduate high school early. Now is a senior in college, I am able to provide those same resources that I received to students who struggle in school just like I did. This was the goal behind creating ReadOn and it continues to shape and push my goals going into Miss America and beyond.

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?
I love that it brings out emotions that there are no words for. There are times when I can feel emotions inside of me and the only way to let them out is by movement. I also love sharing those same emotions on stage as people watch me dance. Because of a song choice or a routine, I’m able to make people feel joy, hope, and peace.

You’re currently studying social work at OSU. Where do you see that field taking you?
I’m currently a senior at the Ohio State University studying social work with hopes in obtaining my masters level degree in macro level social work. I want to get involved with government policy. This could be through a number of different avenues however my main goal is to serve people and communities through government.

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?
I would be Pocahontas. I love her because she’s more than just a character. She was a real person. Also being Pocahontas, I would continue to share about my Native American heritage and how it’s impacted my life and my family.

If you had an extra ticket to see a Guardians - Reds game, who would you take with you? Why?
I would take my little brother, Lin! He loves all things sports and with six years between us (and my busy schedule) our time spent together is very special.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience? 
I would LOVE to throw an opening pitch! I just think that would be the coolest! 

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Oh, that would definitely be the coolest! 

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

As Lora continues her time as Miss Ohio, I encourage you to follow her title's Instagram and Facebook accounts. You should also check out the official Miss Ohio website. They're great ways to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss America crown this winter. It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Lora, and good luck!

Brooke Young Visits Section 36!

Section 36 has another visitor! Brooke Young is passionate about multigenerational interactions, a talented performer, and the current Miss Heart of Ohio. I was excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I’m just as excited that she represents the first visitor from the state of Ohio!

So, let's see what happens when Brooke Young visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Heart of Ohio crown?

I was fortunate to be crowned Miss Heart of Ohio on March 14th. As many people in 2020 can recognize, this was during the beginning of the Pandemic, and Social Distancing was coming into prevalence. Winning in my hometown of Mansfield, Ohio, with my Mother in the audience, was the most amazing gift I could have been given. My Sister and Father watched via Livestream at home, and during the short drive back, they decorated the mailbox for my win. I adore my family.

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

In all honesty, I'm a tad nervous to share my voice and

message through my Vocal Talent on the Miss Ohio Stage. Singing, and sharing a part of your heart, is absolutely vulnerable; I am both nervous and elated.

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

My utmost goal is to share and educate as many as possible with my message. My Social Impact Initiative focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for individuals of different generations to learn from, grow from, and engage with one another. I'm so passionate about this, and was fortunate to embark on the following projects thus far: A Statewide, MultiGenerational PenPal Program: Pandemic Pals, zoom speaking engagements, a partnership with Colorado Non-Profit Wish of a Lifetime, partnership to create meaningful veteran services with children via Ohio's Hospice, creation of Assisted Living Zoom Concert Series, and I continue open to any way to impact. I love service.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “Fostering Meaningful Interactions between Generations”?

Selecting my Social Impact was exceptionally simple, as the passion for Multigenerational Interactions has remained strong throughout my life. At the age of 8, I trained my First Therapy Dog, Molly, along with my Grandpa, and spent over 5 years serving with the elderly population in our State. Being so young, and so exposed to these concepts and the way these friendships changed and impacted my life, while leaving a profound impact on my older friends as well, changed my life. Exposure to this shifted my perception of the world, and I want every person, regardless of age, to experience joy, meaning, and pursue through the generational gap.

You once appeared as the “leg lamp” in the Christmas Story Musical. What was that experience like?

An avid Musical Theatre Performer for more than a decade:

dance, song, and acting have always been in my veins. I often joke and share that performing as A Human Leg Lamp in the Christmas Story Musical is my favorite Christmas Memory, and bringing genuine chuckles to the audience forever remains my favorite Theatre Memory.

What is your personal fitness routine?

Exercise and wellness plays a significant role in my life, especially for stress reduction. Owner of a Saint Berdoodle (Saint Bernard/Goliathdoodle Poodle), We embark on at least 2 walks per day, and I spend a great deal of time with pilaties, yoga, strengthening exercises. I'm active in my everyday life, with Golf and Recreational Baseball.

If you could work for a Major League Baseball organization, what would you want to do? Why?

Having collaborated with a regional network to provide Sports coverage in College, working as an In-Park Host for a MLB Organization continues to be my greatest dream. Growing up in a Baseball family, I knew that holding that microphone and appearing on the JumboTron would remain one of my biggest life dreams: Sport Reporting is my passion.

As a sports broadcasting minor, you’ve been able to interview several national champion athletes. Do you have a favorite that sticks out in your mind?

Being able to connect and honor Sports as the wonderful

unifier they serve as in our culture is one of the greatest gifts and honors. Entrusting me to tell stories, whether in-game hits, or personal interviews with National Champions (I have been blessed to speak with several), I'm grateful for the chance to sit down and authentically experience, authentically share with talented athletes.

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

I'm known for my sporadic dance moves. Anytime I hear a good beat, I just have to get my feet moving a bit. The environment, the culture of Baseball and the collective energy in the air is my favorite part. I can't wait for sunny afternoons, smiling, and maybe a bit of dancing, at the ballpark again.

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I think we’re all ready for that!

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

As Brooke continues her time as Miss Heart of Ohio, I encourage you to check out her official Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck whenever she competes for the Miss Ohio title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Brooke, and good luck!