Miss USA 2013: Brief Bio of Misses Maryland-Mississippi

Miss Maryland: Kasey Staniszewski
Hometown: Annapolis
Height: 5'9''
Age: 21


Kasey Marie Staniszewski is a student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, studying communications. She won the title of Miss Maryland Teen USA in 2009, and continued on to place as 3rd Runner-Up at the 2009 Miss Teen USA Pageant. One of Kasey’s biggest passions is singing. From her first role as Marta VonTrapp in The Sound of Music, to her most recent starring role as Hope in Urinetown the Musical, Kasey has performed in dozens of musical theatre productions across the state of Maryland.

"As Miss USA, I would love to encourage those who have struggled with hardships due to the poor economy. I would love to spread the message that having a positive outlook and strong, loving relationships is the key to success-not material things."

Miss Massachusetts: Sarah Kidd

Hometown: Leominster

Height: 5'8''

Age: 20

Sarah Kidd is currently pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. She prides herself in being a self-proclaimed “nerd,” who started college at just 15 years old. Sarah is extremely passionate about her work with Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that raises funds and performs surgeries to repair facial deformities primarily in children born with cleft lip and palates.

Sarah has had a successful modeling career and has appeared in publications for Macy’s, PUMA, and other well-known companies. She has walked the runways in cities such as New York and Boston, and was named the face of E.L.F Cosmetics in 2011. 

"I am ready to put my heart and soul into becoming the best Miss USA that has ever reigned. I have the confidence to walk into a room and capture the attention even without a crown."

Miss Michigan: Jaclyn Schultz

Hometown: Wyandotte

Height: 6'

Age: 21

Jaclyn is a graduate of Central Michigan University, with a BAA in Integrative Public Relations. She currently works as a Media Strategist at an advertising agency where she combines her passion to relate with people and education to place successful advertising campaigns. Currently taking night classes to earn her Master’s in Advertising degree from Michigan State University, Jaclyn’s philosophy is to never stop learning and growing as a person. 

Jaclyn is the spokeswoman for the “Beautiful You MRKH Foundation,” a syndrome that is present at birth, causing women – including her, to be born without a uterus. Jaclyn has been working to spread awareness and provide support to girls and women across the globe who are diagnosed. Jaclyn has also been working with Bethany Adoption Services to increase awareness of adoption and foster care. 

"I would be honored to win the title of Miss USA, to inspire and educate girls, and to represent the top beauty brand in the world. But most importantly, I would bring to the title a genuine personality, a positive attitude and someone ready to serve."

Miss Minnesota: Danielle Hooper
Hometown: Inver Grove Heights
Height: 5'9''
Age: 20


Danielle Hooper is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin – Stout, where she studies Retail Merchandising. She hopes to one day own her own bridal boutique. Danielle believes that Retail Merchandising combines both the analytical, serious side of her personality, and her creative, silly side.

Having worked with numerous charities, she recently had an amazing experience volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Miami, FL, where she helped build four homes.

"We have to remember that we are beautiful just by being who we are and that our own opinion and self-esteem are what truly matters".

Miss Mississippi: Paromita Mitra

Hometown: Hattiesburg

Height: 5'6''

Age: 21

Paromita Mitra, a first generation immigrant from Bangladesh who grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is currently a senior at Mississippi State University studying Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics.

As a culture and travelling enthusiast, Paromita can speak four different languages, has traveled the country of Italy on astudy abroad program, and has even flown a plane once. On her spare time, she enjoys baking, astronomy, and canoe trips. Paromita is trained in piano, clarinet, and drums.
Paromita is also an advocate for higher education and NASA’s S.T.E.M. platform: influencing science, technology, engineering, and math topics in the youth. As the educational outreach co-director of The Space Cowboys, Paromita & her rocket team received 1st place in the nation from AIAA for their work with education. She has traveled to schools all over Mississippi speaking about rocketry and space topics, while implementing hands-on activities to promote science. 

"My story takes me from the slums of Southeast Asia to being a well-educated woman and future NASA employee to the Miss USA stage. I am grateful for the opportunities my family has found in the United States and my desire to give back to this country makes this job perfect for me."

Source: Miss USA