Allison Paganetti Interview
Miss Rhode Island USA 2005
Why did you decide to participate in the Miss Rhode Island USA pageant?
Competing at Miss USA was something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. The year I was crowned Miss Rhode Island USA was my last attempt at making my dream a reality.
What was going through your head when your name was not announced as the 1st runner up?
Right before the 1st runner up was announced, I was preparing to be just that. I was ready to except not winning on the sole fact that I had given a remarkable effort. Once I recognized the first syllable of the 1st runner up was not mine I was overcome by a rush of emotions. I went from being completely surprised to relieved and thankful.
What would be your most memorable experience during your reign as Miss Rhode Island USA?
The most memorable experience during my reign was returning to my Special Olympic group with my crown. Instead of being announced by my title I was announced as their “local real life princess”. I reactions of the Olympians and their families will forever remain with me as the single most fulfilling moment of my life. To show my respect for my S.O family, the following week I left my designated parade convertible to walk the route hand in hand with the local Special Olympic members.
You competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2005, what would be your most memorable experience at Miss USA?
The most memorable experience I had at Miss USA 2005 was filming my opening introduction. As a little girl I remember practicing my name and title in the mirror knowing that someday it would really happen. While filming my introduction in Annapolis Maryland I was overcome with pride not only for my accomplishment and my state but also the military influence associated with that town. In that very moment my military career and current pageant life seemed to fit perfectly together, thus giving me a sense of completion.
Who would be your role model and why?
Role models to me are individuals who have built themselves from nothing into something great. I idolize the driven underdog, and the motivated dreamer. I have always looked up to my grandmother who has the kindest heart of gold. Her selfless service to her community and undying love for her family has placed her in a high standing class of her own. I strive daily to be recognized as someone that reflects her candor and compassion.
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss Rhode Island USA ended?
Following my reign as Miss Rhode Island USA 2005, I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Military Science. Upon my graduation I was also commissioned as a 2LT in the United States Army. I then moved to Fort Huachuca Arizona into the 11th Signal Brigade, 40th Signal Battalion. At this time I am a newly promoted 1LT, currently working on a 15 month deployment in Baghdad, Iraq.
Competing at Miss USA was something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. The year I was crowned Miss Rhode Island USA was my last attempt at making my dream a reality.
What was going through your head when your name was not announced as the 1st runner up?
Right before the 1st runner up was announced, I was preparing to be just that. I was ready to except not winning on the sole fact that I had given a remarkable effort. Once I recognized the first syllable of the 1st runner up was not mine I was overcome by a rush of emotions. I went from being completely surprised to relieved and thankful.
What would be your most memorable experience during your reign as Miss Rhode Island USA?
The most memorable experience during my reign was returning to my Special Olympic group with my crown. Instead of being announced by my title I was announced as their “local real life princess”. I reactions of the Olympians and their families will forever remain with me as the single most fulfilling moment of my life. To show my respect for my S.O family, the following week I left my designated parade convertible to walk the route hand in hand with the local Special Olympic members.
You competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2005, what would be your most memorable experience at Miss USA?
The most memorable experience I had at Miss USA 2005 was filming my opening introduction. As a little girl I remember practicing my name and title in the mirror knowing that someday it would really happen. While filming my introduction in Annapolis Maryland I was overcome with pride not only for my accomplishment and my state but also the military influence associated with that town. In that very moment my military career and current pageant life seemed to fit perfectly together, thus giving me a sense of completion.
Who would be your role model and why?
Role models to me are individuals who have built themselves from nothing into something great. I idolize the driven underdog, and the motivated dreamer. I have always looked up to my grandmother who has the kindest heart of gold. Her selfless service to her community and undying love for her family has placed her in a high standing class of her own. I strive daily to be recognized as someone that reflects her candor and compassion.
What have you been up to since your reign as Miss Rhode Island USA ended?
Following my reign as Miss Rhode Island USA 2005, I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a minor in Military Science. Upon my graduation I was also commissioned as a 2LT in the United States Army. I then moved to Fort Huachuca Arizona into the 11th Signal Brigade, 40th Signal Battalion. At this time I am a newly promoted 1LT, currently working on a 15 month deployment in Baghdad, Iraq.