{"id":42767,"date":"2025-11-17T20:03:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T20:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/42767\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T20:03:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T20:03:25","slug":"4-women-walk-away-with-crowns-at-staten-island-beauty-pageant-with-good-morning-america-staffer-taking-title","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/42767\/","title":{"rendered":"4 women walk away with crowns at Staten Island beauty pageant, with \u2018Good Morning America\u2019 staffer taking title"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y \u2014 And the title of Miss Staten Island goes to …..Gabriella Marinelli, a 23 year-old resident of Dongan Hills who impressed judges with her poise and powerful platform, her talent and her authenticity in interview.<\/p>\n

Marinelli, who was crowned by Madison Gattullo, Miss Staten Island 2025, is an executive assistant and producer of ABC\u2019s Emmy Award winning news show, \u201cGood Morning America.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new titleholder wowed a panel of judges with a lyrical dance \u2014 that embodied various aspects of ballet, jazz, acrobatics and modern dance \u2014 to Whitney Houston\u2019s \u201cI Didn\u2019t Know My Own Strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"From the left, Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island, Ashley Marie David-Parascondola, Miss Staten Island Teen 2013, Miss Richmond County 2017, Miss Staten Island 2019 and Social Media Coordinator and Choreographer, and Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parasacondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

For her Community Service Initiative she chose \u201cPromoting Mindful Media,\u201d a project that encourages media literacy education.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, on the newly refurbished stage of Port Richmond High School, Staten Island\u2019s newest queen shared the spotlight with three other brand new titleholders.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Four brand new titleholders: Victoria DiPaolo, Miss Staten Island Teen, Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island, Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County and Alexis Ryan, Miss Richmond County Teen. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Nadia Michel, 21, Miss Richmond County, whose talent is HERstory, a personal dissertation that references her life, and how a series of events transformed her into a stronger person.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance\"Pagent\"Alexis Ryan, Miss Richond County Teen and Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

For her Community Service Initiative Michel chose \u201cStriving For Financial Literacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Victoria DiPaolo, Miss Staten Island Teen. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Victoria DiPaolo, 17, Miss Staten Island Teen, whose talent is vocal, chose \u201cServing Those Who Served,\u201d as her Community Service Initiative.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Alexis Ryan, Miss Richnond County Teen. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

And Alexis Ryan, 15, Miss Richmond County Teen, who also performed a lyrical dance as her talent, selected the \u201cPower of Pink,\u201d as her Community Service Initiative. <\/p>\n

The four winners will go on to compete for the Miss and Teen New York State titles during the spring of next year.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Victoria DiPaolo, Miss Staten Island Teen, and Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

The statewide winners will then advance at the national level, the winner of which is crowned Miss America.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"From the left, Alexis Ryan, Miss Richmond County Teen, Nadia Michele, Miss Richmond County, Jamie Lynn Macchia Homan, a former Miss New York, Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island 2016 and Victoria DiPaolo, Miss Staten Island Teen. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Jamie Lynn Macchia Homan, the pageant\u2019s mistress of ceremonies, is the only woman to hold the title of Miss Staten Island twice \u2014 in 2012 and in 2014. She also was Miss Greater New York in 2013 and 2015, winning the title of Miss New York in 2015.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island left and former titleholders, Madison Gattullo, Alexa Moley, Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola, Nicole Doz Pillarella and Jamie Lynn Macchia Homan. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Carmine DeBetta, executive director of the Miss Staten Island-Miss Richmond County Scholarship Organization, commented: \u201cThis year we had an exceptional array of former delegates competing, as well as some who are new and are very enthusiastic. The panelists (judges) once again, had a difficult job of selecting our new titleholders.\u201d<\/p>\n

THE PAGEANT PRODUCTION<\/p>\n

As the curtain went up and the stage set became brightly illuminated, the 59th annual Miss Staten Island-Miss Richmond County Scholarship Pageant kicked off its highly anticipated production \u2014 a fresh celebration of purpose, and community advocacy. <\/p>\n

Titled \u201cHeroes – Women Empowerment,\u201d the theme referenced empowering women to be leaders through education, the mission of the Miss America Organization, which also emphasizes the four points of the crown: Scholarship, Service, Style and Success, in addition to Sisterhood.<\/p>\n

Not just about crowns and gowns, the pageant aims to select a winner who embodies modern leadership and a commitment to service \u2014 with delegates judged on a blend of intelligence, grace and confidence \u2014 celebrating them as heroes and honoring the uniqueness of the everyday woman.<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island 2026. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

The event brought together a diverse group of women, each sharing their unique platforms and personal stories in a bid to represent their community and inspire future generations.<\/p>\n

All told, 13 young, talented women who are academically accomplished and articulate, and who dedicated countless hours to community service, competed for the titles of Miss Staten Island, Miss Richmond County, Miss Staten Island Teen and Miss Richmond County Teen, during the 59th annual production.<\/p>\n

Among the 13 delegates were six teens, ages 14 to 18, who are still in high school, as well as Miss-level delegates, ages 18 (high school grads) to age 28. <\/p>\n

All competed for the titles of Miss Staten Island and Miss Richmond County within their respective categories. <\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"From the left, Lenore Lambert, Carmine DeBetta, executive director, Felicia DeBetta, Victoria DiPaolo, Miss Staten Island Teen, Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island, Alexis Ryan, Miss Richmond County Teen, Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County, Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola and Dawn Macchia. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

PHASES OF COMPETITION<\/p>\n

The phases of the competition begin with a private interview with the judges during the morning of the pageant, which accounts for 30% of the overall score. <\/p>\n

The afternoon production includes competitions in Fitness (20%), Talent (20%), the Jim Smith Evening Gown on the Red Carpet (20%), and Onstage Question (10%).<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"The winners and delegates in the Misss Staten Island-Miss Richmond County Scholarship Pageant. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

COMMENTS FROM WINNERS<\/p>\n

Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island: <\/p>\n

\u201cBeing live on \u2018Good Morning America\u2019 was a very good prep for the pageant. They\u2019re similar in that they\u2019re both live and both spontaneous and you just have to roll with the punches,\u201d the new titleholder told us.<\/p>\n

And when queried about her new role as one of our borough\u2019s spokespersons she revealed: \u201cI still plan to be very much on Staten Island. It\u2019s my home and I look forward to giving back to the community. I\u2019m extremely excited to be competing for the title of Miss New York. And to able to be represent Staten Island means so much to me. I really hope to bring home the crown,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n

Victoria DiPaolo, 17, of Port Richmond, Miss Staten Island\u2019s Teen:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me along this journey. Keep an eye out for information regarding my Community Service Initiative, \u2018Serving Those Who Served!\u2019 Our veterans have done so much for us. It\u2019s time we help them too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nadia Michel, 21, of Rosebank, Miss Richmond County:<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter three years of competing, I\u2019m so ecstatic to represent the borough that I was born and raised in! I can\u2019t wait to connect with my community and give back throughout my year as Miss Richmond County and make a lasting impact. This has truly been the highlight of my year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexis Ryan, 15, of Huguenot, Miss Richmond County Teen: <\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been an unbelievable experience. I learned a lot about this amazing organization and I\u2019m excited for this new journey. I would like to encourage everyone to follow their dreams because if you learn to believe in yourself anything is possible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"From the left, Gabriella Marinelli, Miss Staten Island, Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola, Miss Staten Island 2019, and the social media and event coordinator, and Nadia Michel, Miss Richmond County. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parasacondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola, Miss Staten Island Teen 2013, Miss Richmond County 2017, Miss Staten Island 2019 and Social Media Coordinator and Choreographer for the Miss Staten Island-Richmond County Organization: <\/p>\n

\u201cI am incredibly proud of all of our delegates and winners for how far they\u2019ve come throughout this journey. Each of them worked tirelessly and represented Staten Island with such grace, heart, and determination. As a former titleholder, it truly means the world to have the opportunity to give back to an organization like the Miss SIRC Organization \u2014one that has given me so much. I\u2019m so excited to continue working with Gabriella, Nadia, Victoria, and Alexis as they prepare for the state competition. It\u2019s going to be an amazing year, and I can\u2019t wait to see all that they accomplish!\u201d<\/p>\n

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS<\/p>\n

Pageant scholarships and awards were presented to this year\u2019s titleholders and other delegates, prior to the crowning ceremony.<\/p>\n

Miss Staten Island – $800 Gabriella Marinelli <\/p>\n

Miss Richmond County- $800 Nadia Michel<\/p>\n

Miss First Runner Up- $300 Felicia Gambino <\/p>\n

Miss Staten Island Teen – $400 Victoria DiPaolo <\/p>\n

Miss Richmond County Teen- $400 Alexis Ryan <\/p>\n

Teen First Runner Up- $200 Jaymie Alio <\/p>\n

Miss Overall Jim Smith Evening Gown- $100- Gabriella Marinelli <\/p>\n

Teen Overall Jim Smith Evening Gown $100 -Victoria DiPaolo <\/p>\n

Miss Overall Health & Fitness $100- Gabriella Marinelli <\/p>\n

Teen Overall Health & Fitness $100 – Alexis Ryan <\/p>\n

Miss Overall Talent Award: $100 – Jacqliene Mangini <\/p>\n

Teen Overall Talent Award: $100- Alexis Ryan <\/p>\n

Miss Congeniality $200- Ashley Lawerence <\/p>\n

The Katie Dishuk-Burkhart Kindess Award $150- Victoria DiPaolo <\/p>\n

People\u2019s Choice $150- Victoria DiPaolo <\/p>\n

The Angelina Secher Community Service Award -$200 – Felicia Gambino <\/p>\n

People\u2019s Choice – Victoria DiPaolo <\/p>\n

The Higher Education Award – $150 Nadia Michel <\/p>\n

Most Ad Sales- $100 Alyssa Ruggerio <\/p>\n

\"Pageant\"Staten Island’s newest titleholders, center, and judges, smile for the camera. (Courtesy\/Ashley Marie Davis-Parascondola)Staten Island Advance<\/p>\n

THE PANEL OF JUDGES<\/p>\n

The panel of judges with varied backgrounds in areas of business, education, and the art, tasked with evaluating contestants on criteria such as interview skills, on-stage presence, and scholarship potential, were, Shreya Jain, Alisa Vasquez, Lisa Bova-Hiat, Dennis McGarry, Dana Talese, Ed Thompson and Ben Truncali.<\/p>\n

MORE ON THE PAGEANT<\/p>\n

Once crowned, the four titleholders will hit the ground running with a busy schedule of winter holiday appearances and appointments, and community service assistance. <\/p>\n

The Miss Staten Island-Miss Richmond County Organization has been especially successful at the Miss New York State Competitions the past several years with a first and second runner-up.<\/p>\n

And this year our Miss Staten Island team, Nadia Anwar became Miss New York State\u2019s Teen and was awarded $5,000 to use toward completing her education.<\/p>\n

She then went on to represent the Empire State and Staten Island, at the Miss America Competition, in Orlando, Fla. where she nabbed a $3,000 educational scholarship. <\/p>\n

Five Staten Islanders have held the title of Miss New York and competed in the Miss America Pageant: Kari Pedersen Cynar in 1967, Lezley Braun in 1977, Alice Knisely in 1987, Deana Herrera Walker in 1998 and Jamie Lynn Macchia in 2015.<\/p>\n

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