Carrieri-Russo founded a literacy organization, Success Won't Wait, to encourage reading, especially by children. She has collected more than 100,000 books, which she has distributed, and logged in more than 2,500 community service hours. For her volunteer work, Carrieri-Russo received Delaware's Jefferson Award and went on to receive the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Awards for Outstanding Service Benefiting a Local Community.
“Pageants today really go against the old stereotypes,” Carrieri-Russo said. “Most contestants are very intelligent and interested in a lot more than just pretty crowns and sashes. I am personally excited to use the opportunities that come with my winning the title of Miss Delaware USA to tell the world more about my literacy organization.”
Criteria for Miss USA includes character, poise, confidence and personality, and the competition includes three categories-evening gown, personal interview and swimsuit.
The 57th annual Miss USA competition will be broadcast live from 9-11 p.m. EDT, April 11, on NBC-TV stations nationwide and also be aired in more than 80 countries worldwide.