Here she is! Ladies and gentlemen, Amanda Narciso, Salve Regina 2012 graduate and your beautiful Miss Massachusetts 2013.
The 22 year old Salve graduate and Taunton native was awarded the title at the 74th Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant. Prior to winning this title, Narciso was also crowned Miss Cranberry Country 2013 back in March.
Most recently, Narciso competed for the title of Miss America this past September in Atlantic City, NJ, which aired live on television. Narciso, an accomplished dancer who graduated with a minor in dance, as well as a former dancer on Extensions Dance Company and 2011-2012 Senior Captain of SRU Dance Club, performed a tap solo during the talent portion of the competition.
She was also awarded the preliminary swimsuit award and a preliminary talent award at the Atlantic City competition.
“ Amanda stands out because of her passion and dedication. As a dancer, she is always 100% committed and present. She knows herself and is able to perform from an honest, genuine place, which makes her believable and captivating as an artist,” said Lindsay Guarino, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts at Salve, and previous dance teacher to Narciso, when asked about her former student.
During her reign of Miss Massachusetts, Narciso will be representing her platform Best Buddies which she highlighted during the Miss America Pageant. Best Buddies, is an international non-profit organization that is creating a “ inclusion revolution” by pairing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in one on one friendship with non IDD buddies.
In 2008, Narciso was awarded her first title: Miss Taunton, when she was just a senior in high school. Now, about five years later, she has earned more than $20,000 in scholarship money, and shared her love for the arts and kind hearted spirit with many.
But it was not always that easy for Narciso. She had tried many times in the past for this title, but always falling just short of doing so. But she used her defeat to keep fighting, in hopes of one day winning.
“ I saw how hard it was for Amanda to come so close to winning in the past, and she used that as motivation rather than seeing it as defeat. I know the judges saw that glow in her-that sense that she had arrived,” said Guarino.
Narciso was highly involved in dance at Salve, choreographing numerous pieces for SRU Dance Club as well as a piece her Senior year for Extensions Dance Company, which went to the American College Dance Festival Association. Through SRU Dance, Narciso was a major participant in raising awareness for the Andrea Rizzo Foundation, a movement therapy program exclusively for children with cancer and special needs.
During her years dancing at the university, she inspired many of her fellow dance mates, establishing great bonds that have turned into lifelong friendships.
“ She is my inspiration, I have always looked up to her, especially while she was at Salve. Out of all people, she deserves this. Her work ethic and drive are truly amazing, something very commendable.” – Cayley Christoforou 15
With a future as bright as hers and a passion that keeps burning, there’s no stopping Narciso. To what seems like a long journey, this is only the beginning for Miss Massachusetts and our Salve sweetheart.
Congratulations Amanda, and best wishes in your future endeavors!
