Russo to represent RI in Homecoming Queen competition

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Taylor Russo of Johnston High School has added yet another title to her impressive resume.

The popular senior has been selected as Rhode Island’s Homecoming Queen.

Russo’s selection marked the second time in as many years that a Johnston High senior has won the prestigious honor of competing in the annual America’s Homecoming Queen event, which this year is scheduled to take place July 22-26 in Memphis, Tenn.

Stephanie Lemoi, who like Russo participated in countless classes and clubs during her days at Johnston High, was last year’s Rhode Island Homecoming Queen. She’s currently studying at Rhode Island College.

It was Lemoi who passed her Homecoming Queen crown to Russo during last fall’s annual celebration.

“When I heard I had been chosen as the representative from Rhode Island, I was overwhelmed with joy and feeling especially grateful,” said Taylor, the daughter of Chuck and Karen Russo.

Perhaps Johnston High Principal Zachary Farrell said it best about Russo.

“Taylor is one of a kind,” he said. “She is a very well-rounded young person and is involved in every aspect of school life here at Johnston High School. She exemplifies the pride that we all feel in our town and school community.”

Russo’s involvement throughout her high school years include serving as recording secretary of the Student Council for four years, and as president of the school’s chapter of SADD, or Students Against Dangerous Decisions. She’s also a member of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and serves as president of the Panther Cubs.

Her passion, she explained this week, has been being a member of the Johnston High football cheerleading squad in all four of her years on Cherry Hill. This year, she’s serving as the squad’s captain, and recently enjoyed success when head coach Susan Parillo’s group was tabbed as one of the best during their participation at the Gator Bowl in Florida.

“It was a great honor being captain of the cheerleaders,” Russo said. “I truly loved all my involvement in school and could not have asked for a better experience.”

Now, Russo has been rewarded with the privilege of traveling to Memphis to compete for the title of America’s Homecoming Queen. She’ll join winners of state competitions in July inside Memphis University’s Rose Theater for the actual competition.

“Dear Taylor,” Peggy Hester, director of America’s Homecoming Queen informed Russo via a letter. “Congratulations – the judging committee has selected you to represent the State of Rhode Island at this year’s National Selection of America’s Homecoming Queen.”

Hester informed Russo that at the event, the will have a personal interview with the judges and an evening gown presentation. Russo will also give a one-minute speech on why people should visit Rhode Island, as well as write an essay that the committee will review during the July 22-26 event.

America’s Homecoming Queen began in 1981 and is a very unique selection, since participation is by invitation only. Judges as the national event are selected from the fields of education, travel and public relations, and are committed to the welfare of the youth of the country.

“And there is no swimsuit or talent competition,” Hester noted. “We are looking for the all-American girl who wants a career.”

Russo will also have a chance to win a college scholarship during the national event in July.

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