Connecticut College News

A summa cum laude graduate of Connecticut College crowned her academic achievements on Saturday night by winning the 76th annual Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant. The event, held at the Garde Arts Center in New London, is the stepping-stone to the 2004 Miss America pageant in Atlantic City in September.

Nikki Ann Palmieri, graduated on May 23 with a degree in anthropology. A dean´s list student and Winthrop Scholar, she earned honors in her major field. In April she was one of two seniors awarded the Eva L. Butler Memorial Prize to recognize the student with the highest grade point average in anthropology. An aspiring teacher, she also completed the requirements through the College´s education department and will apply for teaching certification.

"I did not expect to win," Palmieri said. "But now I´m very excited about promoting my community service platform, Tobacco Free Youth."

The Miss Connecticut competition was held at the Garde Arts Center in the College´s home city of New London. The judges awarded 21-year-old Palmieri first place for a spirited jazz dance routine, which she performed in spite of a recent foot injury. The title includes a $5,000 scholarship award for first place. Twenty-three women from around the state competed on Saturday, and Palmieri was among 10 finalists.

Palmieri, formerly Miss Montowese, focused on "Tobacco Free Youth" as her issue of concern and will tour the state for the next year to promote this cause to students. She will represent her home state at the Miss America pageant on Sept. 18.

Besides the award given Ms. Palmieri, the anthropology department at Connecticut College grants two other departmental awards to graduating seniors each year. The education department prepares students in various majors for teaching certification.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Amy Martin, 860-439-2526, a.martin@conncoll.edu or Deborah MacDonnell (860) 439-2504, dmacdonn@conncoll.edu