Leah Laviano Interview
Miss Mississippi USA 2008 + 1st runner up @ Miss USA 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Mississippi USA pageant?
I have always loved competing in pageants and I thought competing for Miss Mississippi would be a good way to have new experiences. I also really wanted to help young girls with self-esteem issues and having a title would give me a voice. Plus, I wanted to go to Miss USA!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Mississippi USA?
I was in total shock. There is a picture of me with my jaw hanging open. I thought my first alternate had it the whole time! I had a rush of emotions but it didn’t hit me until I was on my way home. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t have time to think! On the way home I got really excited and couldn’t wait till I got to Miss USA.
What was going through your head when you made the top 15, top 10 and then the top 5 at Miss USA?
I was so excited when I made the Top 15. I heard, “Mississippi!” and I was so relieved! It is nerve racking when you’re standing up there hoping they call your name. After Top 15 I was completely relaxed. In the back of my mind I was thinking, “Well, I made the Top 15 so no need to worry now!” When I was called into the Top 10 I was completely calm and relaxed. I was definitely excited but you have to remember to pull it together! I was most excited about making the Top 5. I was so relieved! I knew even if I messed up, I was at least 4th alternate!
What would be your first thought when your name was announced as the 1st runner up at Miss USA?
I didn’t even know what to think! Standing there with Crystal was so unreal! I was this little girl from Mississippi standing there and possibly could be the next Miss USA. When they called my name as first runner up I was not mad. It was an amazing accomplishment for Mississippi and myself to make it that far! I can honestly say I was so excited for Crystal. I knew how hard she worked and was much deserving!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment was definitely meeting all of the girls. I can honestly say that I think our year was the year of fun. From my point of view most all the girls got along and if they didn’t they kept it behind closed doors. It was so good to see them this year at the Miss USA 2009 Pageant and catch up! And, of course, being first runner up is something that I will never forget
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Mississippi USA?
I will never forget receiving Miss Congeniality. I was so honored that my fellow contestants chose me. I have never been chosen as Miss Congeniality and it was such a touching experience to know that I made friends in that short period of time.
Out of your hobbies, dancing, singing, performing or sewing, which hobby would be your favorite?
I definitely love to dance. Dancing goes along with performing. I have been dancing since before I can remember! It is a chance for me to let loose and forget about everything in the real world. Dancing is calming and a way to relieve stress.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Mississippi USA?
As most say, it is bitter sweet. I was excited for the next girl to have as good as an experience as I had, but I had such a great time that I was sad to let it go! I honestly had a wonderful experience that I will never forget and that was definitely sad to give my title away. However, it’s not the title that makes the experience!
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Mississippi USA ended?
I am currently a junior at the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) studying English Education. I am also going to be in the swimsuit/fashion calendar coming out in the fall of Campus Girls USA. However, I am focused on my education right now and loving college!
I have always loved competing in pageants and I thought competing for Miss Mississippi would be a good way to have new experiences. I also really wanted to help young girls with self-esteem issues and having a title would give me a voice. Plus, I wanted to go to Miss USA!
What was going through your head when you realized you were the new Miss Mississippi USA?
I was in total shock. There is a picture of me with my jaw hanging open. I thought my first alternate had it the whole time! I had a rush of emotions but it didn’t hit me until I was on my way home. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t have time to think! On the way home I got really excited and couldn’t wait till I got to Miss USA.
What was going through your head when you made the top 15, top 10 and then the top 5 at Miss USA?
I was so excited when I made the Top 15. I heard, “Mississippi!” and I was so relieved! It is nerve racking when you’re standing up there hoping they call your name. After Top 15 I was completely relaxed. In the back of my mind I was thinking, “Well, I made the Top 15 so no need to worry now!” When I was called into the Top 10 I was completely calm and relaxed. I was definitely excited but you have to remember to pull it together! I was most excited about making the Top 5. I was so relieved! I knew even if I messed up, I was at least 4th alternate!
What would be your first thought when your name was announced as the 1st runner up at Miss USA?
I didn’t even know what to think! Standing there with Crystal was so unreal! I was this little girl from Mississippi standing there and possibly could be the next Miss USA. When they called my name as first runner up I was not mad. It was an amazing accomplishment for Mississippi and myself to make it that far! I can honestly say I was so excited for Crystal. I knew how hard she worked and was much deserving!
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss USA?
My most memorable moment was definitely meeting all of the girls. I can honestly say that I think our year was the year of fun. From my point of view most all the girls got along and if they didn’t they kept it behind closed doors. It was so good to see them this year at the Miss USA 2009 Pageant and catch up! And, of course, being first runner up is something that I will never forget
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss Mississippi USA?
I will never forget receiving Miss Congeniality. I was so honored that my fellow contestants chose me. I have never been chosen as Miss Congeniality and it was such a touching experience to know that I made friends in that short period of time.
Out of your hobbies, dancing, singing, performing or sewing, which hobby would be your favorite?
I definitely love to dance. Dancing goes along with performing. I have been dancing since before I can remember! It is a chance for me to let loose and forget about everything in the real world. Dancing is calming and a way to relieve stress.
What emotions were you going through when you gave away your title as Miss Mississippi USA?
As most say, it is bitter sweet. I was excited for the next girl to have as good as an experience as I had, but I had such a great time that I was sad to let it go! I honestly had a wonderful experience that I will never forget and that was definitely sad to give my title away. However, it’s not the title that makes the experience!
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Mississippi USA ended?
I am currently a junior at the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!) studying English Education. I am also going to be in the swimsuit/fashion calendar coming out in the fall of Campus Girls USA. However, I am focused on my education right now and loving college!