RI’s Carissa Tillinghast makes top 20 in Miss Teen USA; Kaitlynne Santana readies for Miss USA
by: Paige Messier
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — From the smallest state to the biggest stage, two Rhode Islanders have made their way to Los Angeles to compete for the Miss USA and Teen USA crowns.
Carissa Tillinghast, a 19-year-old from Warwick, competed in the Miss Rhode Island Teen USA competition three times and won the crown this past May.
Thursday night, she competed in Los Angeles against 50 state titleholders. After an activewear and evening gown walk on the runway and an interview with a panel of judges, she earned a spot in the top 20.
“Carissa’s drive, dedication and full-of-life personality has made her easily coachable and so lovable. There’s no surprise why she placed top 20!” Miss Rhode Island USA coach Gina Mellish said.
Tillinghast’s reign as Miss Rhode Island Teen USA will continue here in the Ocean State. Her mission is to promote childhood literacy and education. She will do this through her project, “Let’s Read”, a nonprofit that collects school supplies for kids.
In the meantime, Miss Rhode Island USA, Kaitlynne Santana, will take the stage Friday night to compete in the preliminary rounds of the Miss USA Competition. The finals and crowning will air Saturday on The CW Providence.
Santana, a 21-year-old representing Woonsocket, spent most of her childhood in Puerto Rico and now works with adults with intellectual disabilities at Horace Mann Educational Associates.
As Miss Rhode Island USA, she will advocate for job opportunities for adults with disabilities.
“Her greatest quality is truly her heart,” Mellish said of Santana. “I admire her strength, her resilience and I love how her love for her family and culture is the driving force for everything she does.”
Mellish has been guiding Tillinghast and Santana to become the best versions of themselves throughout this process. She said working with these women has been a special experience.
“Rhode Island holds a very special place in my heart, and working with both Carissa and Kaitlynne for Miss Teen USA and Miss USA has been a pleasure and truly so special,” Mellish added. “To say that I am proud of them is an understatement!”