MY STORY
Miss Central Pennsylvania
Meghan Sinisi
Meghan Sinisi
Miss Central Pennsylvania 2020
Founder of "From a New Perspective: Inspiring Autism Acceptance"
This summer, I will proudly compete for the coveted job of Miss Pennsylvania 2020
Education:
Univeristy of Missouri, Candidate: M.H.S. in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Syracuse University, B.S. Communication Sciences & Disorders
Upon completion of my master's degree, I plan provide early intervention services to improve language, communication and social skills for children with autism as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
Career:
August 2017-2018: AmeriCorps Community Outreach Coordinator for United Way of Blair County
August 2018-2019: AmeriCorps Literacy Teacher for the Altoona Area School District
Over 3,000 hours served through the AmeriCorps National Service Program
2013-Present: Assistant Baton Twirling Instructor - Carol's School of Baton - Altoona, PA
Growing Up:
I am who I am today because of the people, experiences and community that raised me.
Hometown: Altoona, Pennsylvania
High School: Altoona Area High School
Thank you to my incredibly supportive parents, brothers, family and friends for helping me grow.
Baton Twirling:
I began twirling baton at the age of 3. It started as an extracurricular activity, but I quickly fell in love with the practice and personal growth it required from me to be successful. It has always been more than just a hobby for me and has greatly determined my work ethic. As a young girl, I idolized many collegiate baton twirling athletes that also grew up in my hometown, such as PJ Maierhofer-Burkin, Megan McGeary-Weibley and Susie Smithmyer. I dreamt of one day twirling for a Division I marching band, just like them. Growing up, I twirled as part of a team, for my junior high and high school, and competed individually. In 2009, I was chosen as the feature twirler for my baton school (Carol's School of Baton in Altoona, PA) and Junior High School (Altoona Area Junior High School). After years of diligent practice and countless prayers, I was awarded with the honor of being the Syracuse University "Orange Girl" Feature Baton Twirler for the "Pride of the Orange" Syracuse University Marching Band in 2013. The "Orange Girl" is a nearly 75 year-old tradition at Syracuse University and a position I was honored to hold from 2013-2017. Ultimately, this was the most rewarding experience in my twirling career, opening many doors and introducing me to many of the most important people in my life. In fact, it's one of the major reasons why I first got involved in the Miss America Organization. I now teach baton as an assistant baton twirling instructor for Carol's School of Baton in Altoona, PA
Accomplishments and Awards:
Miss America Organization: Miss Liberty 2015 (NY); Miss Congeniality at the 2015 New York State Sweepers Local Scholarship Competition (NY); Non-finalist talent award at Miss New York 2015; Miss Syracuse 2016 (NY); Preliminary Talent Award at Miss New York 2016; Second Runner Up to Miss New York 2016; Miss Central NY 2017 (NY); Top 11 at Miss New York 2017; Miss Laurel Highlands 2018 (PA); 2018 Miss Laurel Highlands Organization Overall Interview, Overall Talent, Overall Evening Gown, and Overall Lifestyle & Fitness in Swimsuit Award Winner; Fourth Runner-Up to Miss Pennsylvania 2018; Miss Laurelwood 2019 (PA); 2019 Miss Laurel Highlands Organization Overall Evening Gown and Overall Talent Award Winner (PA); Miss Central Pennsylvania 2020 ; 2020 Miss Central PA Organization Overall Talent and Overall Interview Award Winner; 2020 Shannon Lloyd Memorial Scholarship in Dance Award.
College: 2016 Syracuse University Spirit Award at the 44 Stars of Excellence Gala; 2016 Janet Kay Smith Music Tradition Award; 2017 Featured Twirler Distinguished Service Award; Dean's list; cum laude graduate of Syracuse University.
Community: 2018 and 2019 Gold Level President's Service Award for serving over 2,000 volunteer hours as an AmeriCorps volunteer and Advocate for Autism Acceptance; Co-Author of the Children's Book Building Blocks - a tool designed to share the perspectives of children and families who experience autism and to encourage peers to accept and celebrate diversity.
High School: Local, state, regional, and national baton twirling champion; Altoona Area High School Homecoming Queen; Pennsylvania's Homecoming Queen Scholarship Competition Second Runner Up in the state;