'Miss RVC' to compete in Miss NY USA pageant

Christina Ann Petrilli, 23, born and raised in Rockville Centre and a graduate of Oceanside High School, will represent the village in the swimsuit, gown and interview competitions during the Miss New York USA pageant in mid-January at the Purchase College Performing Arts Center.

Her cause is to end bullying and discrimination toward both children and adults, Petrilli said, adding that being in the pageant gives her the opportunity to influence a multitude of people by reaching more eyes and ears. With this opportunity, she said she plans to raise awareness that is necessary to help eliminate hateful words and actions that can so deeply affect a person’s life.

Petrilli’s selection to be part of the pageant began with an online submission. After deeming her eligible, she was then screened through a phone interview. Finally, Petrilli needed to pass a face-to-face interview with a scout in Manhattan, after which she was finally accepted, based on her personality and experiences.

Currently working at the TD Bank on Merrick Road, Petrilli said she has the honor of teaching students the importance of saving and planning for their future. She also reads books to students that emphasize the importance of generosity, kindness and how to earn and work toward the things you want.

The best feeling for her, she said, is seeing the smiling faces of children, answering their questions, and at the end of her lesson, having a child give her a hug and tell her that they had such a fun time.

In addition to her work at the bank, Petrilli is also a Summer Reading Champion, where she provides incentives to students to read during off months, as children who keep up with reading during the summer statistically perform better when school starts back up again in the fall.

This year, within the community, Petrilli said she has also worked with St. Agnes Cathedral, Long Island Harvest, Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island and several boy and girl scout troops from Rockville Centre.

She also supports the Lupus Foundation of America, as she has been watching this autoimmune disorder affect her mother’s life for a number of years.

Petrilli is a member of the Natural Helpers Peer Assistance program, where she provides anonymous support to the members of her community, or anybody who is seeking advice, assistance or a sympathetic ear.

According to Petrilli, the support of her community is what drives her to pursue the title of “Miss New York 2012.”