DERRY, NH—During the first of three preliminary award nights for the 2014 Miss America Competition, Miss New Hampshire, Samantha Russo, was named Talent winner for her vocal performance of “Don't Rain On My Parade” from the Broadway musical Funny Girl. She received a $2,000 scholarship along with the award.
In a post-performance interview, Samantha explained that she chose the Barbra Streisand number despite being warned against it by many supporters who felt it was just too difficult. "Everyone told me not to, but I felt really confident with it," she said.
Samantha will participate in the On Stage Question and Swimsuit/Evening Wear competitions on nights two and three, respectively.
After being named Miss Souhegan Valley, Samantha was crowned Miss New Hampshire in April 2013 and was awarded a $13,500 scholarship. The twenty-three year old Nashua native earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College and is pursuing a career in Sports Journalism.
The Miss America Competition will be broadcast live on ABC from Atlantic City, NJ on September 15, 2013 at 9pm ET.
About the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program The Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Organization is a New Hampshire nonprofit corporation and is the state chapter of the Miss America Organization. The Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program helps to empower young women by awarding scholarship money to those competing for the titles of “Miss New Hampshire,” “Miss New Hampshire’s Outstanding Teen,” and various local titles through their network of local chapters, who demonstrate, in spirited competitions, a level of excellence in the areas of scholastic achievement, performing arts, healthy living, leadership and community involvement.
About the Miss America Organization
As the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs.
Photo Attached Courtesy of the Miss America Organization
Samantha Russo, Miss New Hampshire, Preliminary Talent Competition winner
