USF's very own, Anna Lusnia, will be going for the title of Miss Massachusetts this coming weekend. Lusnia attended USF this past year as a nursing major and a dance minor. She says that the ability to be able to do both things that she loved at one school was a huge factor into why she chose USF.

Earlier this year, she was crowned Miss Pioneer Valley and will compete against 23 other contestants Saturday, July 2nd at Hanover Theater in Worcester, MA for the title of Miss Massachusetts. “I can’t believe it’s coming so quickly," she said, “I’ve been preparing for about two months now – I feel pretty ready.” The newly crowned Miss Massachusetts will receive scholarships as well as a chance to compete in the Miss America pageant in September. The pageant consists of a 10-minute off-stage interview, as well as, an on-stage interview. Lusnia says, "I think the interview really says a lot. You have to be prepared to answer any question about any topic – about the news, politics and ourselves." They are also expected to compete in swimsuit and evening wear segments. They will also be expected to showcase a talent. Lusnia is using her love for dance for her talent portion. She will be dancing en pointe. She says, "I’ve danced since the age of 3, pretty much all my life it’s been my number-one passion. I went away each summer to train in different cities around the country,” she said. “I was able to improve very quickly doing it every day, all day.”

On top of school and dance, Lusnia is expected to be active in the community. Kim Supernaw, executive director of the Miss Western Massachusetts Scholarship Organization, said “We really focus on appearances and getting out in the community,” she said. “They can get phone calls to do anything in the community – from performances to doing kids events, walking or running in charity walks and runs.” Supernaw also says in regards to Lusnia, "She’s just wonderful. We’re very excited to have her as part of the program.”

Lusnia says that she plans to attend USF in the fall, unless "in the off chance" she wins, then she will stay in Massachusetts! As someone who has danced alongside Anna, I think she is the perfect contestant. She is a very sweet, hardworking, and a beautiful person inside and out! Best of luck to you Anna!