Olivia Culpo, the 20-year-old Miss Rhode Island, garnered the crown at the 61st Miss USA pageant on Sunday in Las Vegas. Culpo will represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2012 competition set for December.
A sophomore at Boston University, Culpo has been placed on the Dean’s List every semester. Culpo is also a professional cellist who has participated in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Bay View Orchestra, and Rhode Island All-State Orchestra.
She has graced the Boston Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and a tour of England in 2010.
Culpo beat out Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether, the first runner-up, Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte, the second runner-up, Miss Nevada Jade Kelsall, and the fourth runner-up Miss Georgia Jazz Wilkins.
Placed among the top 10 were Miss Alabama Katherine Webb, Miss Colorado Marybel Gonzalez, Miss New Jersey Michelle Leonardo, Miss Oklahoma Lauren Lundeen, and Miss Texas Brittany Booker.
Alyssa Campanella from California was the titleholder last year.
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