Manship School Journalism Student and Miss Louisiana 2017 Laryssa Bonacquisti Places Top 7 at Miss America

Laryssa Bonacquisti, a broadcast journalism senior in the Manship School and Miss Louisiana 2017, finished in the top 7 of the Miss America Competition finals.

Prior to the top 10 finish on Sunday, September 10, 2017, Bonacquisti won the preliminary talent and the preliminary swimsuit awards. Bonacquisti was awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships.

With her unique talent for ventriloquism, Bonacquisti’s performances stimulated a positive buzz on social media and even garnered the attention of Cosmopolitan.

In her time as a Manship student, Bonacquisti was an intern for Congressman Pete Sessions in Washington, DC and a reporter for the Manship Statehouse Program. She plans to pursue a law degree after graduation. 

The Manship School congratulates Bonacquisti on her success and awaits her return to Manship. She is taking the year off from school to fulfill her duties as Miss Louisiana.

As Miss Louisiana, Bonacquisti will continue to travel across the state promoting Team Charlotte: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer. This platform is important to Bonacquisti in light of her grandmother’s passing after a battle with the disease. Bonacquisti also serves as the official hostess for the State of Louisiana and spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Propane Dealers of Louisiana, Vantage Health Plan and the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

For more information about Bonacquisti and the Miss America Organization, visit www.misslouisiana.org or www.missamerica.org.