Laryssa Bonacquisti

Miss Louisiana 2017

Age: 22

Hometown: Monroe, Louisiana

Platform Issue: Team Charlotte: Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

Talent: Ventriloquism

College Major: Mass Communication: Broadcast Journalism

Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with minors in Political Science and Geography; then obtain a law degree.

Secret Wish or Dream: To chase a tornado.

My Proud Accomplishment: I had the opportunity to open for America’s Got Talent winner, Terry Fator.

Bio: The day Laryssa’s mom informed her about her grandmother’s diagnosis, her world shook. However, her grandmother’s determination to fight lit a fire in her heart. Today, only 8 percent of pancreatic cancer patients live more than 5 years after diagnosis. Laryssa’s determination to become Miss America is driven by the knowledge that the title provides a greater voice, and with it, Laryssa plans to raise awareness, funds, and more importantly, advocate for research to create a diagnostic technique for this silent killer. Miss America is the job of a lifetime and she looks forward to spending a year giving back and making a difference in countless lives.