Good luck, Jillian, at Miss America Pageant!

Posted Aug 12, 2017 at 1:51 PM

ACUSHNET - The Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Program hosted a Miss America send-off party for Mattapoisett resident Jillian Zucco on Friday, Aug. 11, at the Century House in Acushnet that drew more than 250 people to wish Jillian success.

Jillian, who was crowned Miss Massachusetts on July 1, will be heading to Atlantic City the last week in August to prepare for the four-day competition that will culminate in the live national telecast of “Miss America” on Sept. 10 on ABC. It will be the 97th Annual Miss America Pageant.

Proceeds from the send-off will benefit the Miss America Program and the Children’s Miracle Network.

She thanked all the folks who came out to show their support and encouraged everyone in the crowd to volunteer for something that they care about. Jillian’s volunteerism platform is “Choose a Cause, Make a Difference,” and she has raised more than $25,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, and Friday may have topped $30,000.

Jillian is a 2011 alumnus of Old Rochester Regional High School and a 2016 magna cum laude graduate of UMASS Dartmouth’s Nursing program. She now works full time as a registered nurse at an area hospital.

Her service work includes organizing annual blood drives, food drives, and the annual “Miss Inspirational” program she created to provide a platform for girls and young women with special needs and disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities.

She also works with the United Way of Greater New Bedford, serving on its planning committee for the Hunger Heroes project and as a volunteer at its various functions throughout the year. She serves as co-director of the Showstoppers community-service singing troupe and as a volunteer at the Share The Harvest Community Farm in Dartmouth and Gifts To Give in Acushnet.

She serves as a cantor at St. Anthony’s Church and as a volunteer and performer at many community fundraisers and civic events throughout the area.

She has sung the national anthem for the Red Sox, Boston Celtics, New England Revolution, New York Mets and at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She is also an award-winning dancer receiving elite gold and platinum awards at regional and national dance competitions. She was a member of a four-girl pop band that performed for President Obama and with the Boston Pops.

http://wareham.wickedlocal.com/news/20170812/good-luck-jillian-at-miss-america-pageant