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VINCENZA
CARRIERI RUSSO
MISS
IDEA 2003
As
every year comes and goes, so does each Miss Idea pageant. The events of
that evening typically appear on the winter issue of L’Idea Magazine.
Many readers ask us, though, to write a follow up on the winner.
In this issue I am, therefore, pleased to bring you an exclusive
interview with none other than Miss Idea 2003, Vincenza Carrieri Russo
who, recently, I had the privilege to meet again.
L’Idea:
What were your feelings when you heard your number was called and you
were elected Miss Idea 2003?
Miss
Idea 2004 (Vincenza Carrieri Russo): Waiting
for the emcee Jack Di Giorgio to announce the winner was making me very
nervous! He first announced the Top Three, and we were asked to step
forward. I was already thrilled to make it into the Top Three. Then…
it was finally the big moment ... they were going to announce the winner.
I held my breath the whole time, while the Emcee was announcing the
runners-up. Once he said, “Miss Idea 2003 is…. Contestant
number 4, Vincenza Carrieri-Russo!” I was filled with excitement and
joy. I couldn’t believe it! I was so honored and proud to be named Miss
Idea 2003.
L’Idea: What was your motivation to participate in Miss Idea this past year?
Miss Idea:
Ever since L’Idea Magazine began this prestigious pageant, it
has always been a dream of mine to compete in it.
Winning was an experience I will never forget!
And since L’Idea Magazine reaches such a wide audience,
this year I had another reason to compete — to reach as many people as
possible to talk about the literacy organization I co-founded —
Success Won’t Wait, Inc.
As Miss Idea 2003, I will have many opportunities to explain my program,
and the many benefits it offers young people.
L’Idea: What was the most interesting part of participating to the Miss Idea
pageant?
Miss Idea: The most interesting part
was meeting so many wonderful and intelligent people. I made so many new
friends!
L’Idea: What
are your feelings on how we can help better the Italian-American
community?
Miss Idea: The
best way to help better the Italian-American community is to instill a
love of tradition and heritage in our young people. Through our many
Italian-American clubs and organizations we can enhance our community by
promoting more programs. Some might include educating the youth about
our culture and instilling traditional values and practices.
L’Idea: What are your goals as Miss Idea 2003?
Miss Idea: My
goals are simple: To represent my title to the best of my ability, to
act as a role model for Italian-American youth, and to be a positive
spokeswoman for L’Idea Magazine.
L’Idea:
What advice do you have for future contestants of Miss Idea?
Miss
Idea: I would advise future contestants
to always remember that being Miss Idea is first a job, and
second, a prestigious honor. It is a job that centers on leadership. As Miss
Idea, you are a role model and a spokesperson.
L’Idea: What is your favorite cultural aspect or tradition that you follow?
Miss
Idea: My favorite tradition is the
Sunday dinner. My family
gets together every Sunday for this occasion, which is a great
opportunity to spend lots of quality time. In today’s hectic society,
we can get so caught up with things that have to be done that we forget
what is most important in life, our family.
L’Idea:
Is there anything else you would like
to say to our readers and supporters?
Miss
Idea: Yes,
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the readers and all who
were in attendance at Miss Idea 2003. I couldn’t have done it
without the support they showed me.
IDEA
GIUGNO 2004
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