Miss Pennsylvania 2021 spoke of autism acceptance, twirled baton as talent to win crown

An Altoona resident was crowned Miss Pennsylvania 2021 Saturday night in the final night of competition at The Appell Center for Performing Arts in York.

The competition was held Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Miss Central Pennsylvania Meghan Sinisi will represent the Keystone State in the 100th Miss America competition in December. The competition is held at the Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut.

Sinisi, a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Missouri, presented a social impact initiative on “Inspiring Autism Acceptance” during the competition. She was also judged in red carpet runway, onstage question and talent (baton twirling).

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In addition to representing Pennsylvania in December, Sinisi received a $10,000 scholarship donated by Chloe Eichelberger.

Miss Berks County Alysa Bainbridge, from Leesport, was named first runner-up and received a scholarship for $5,000. She also won the red carpet runway competition in the prelims Thursday night.

Hanover’s Abigail Bachman, Miss Greater Juniata Valley, received a $2,500 scholarship as second runner-up. She also won the Miss Miracle Maker competition in Thursday’s prelims.

Elaine Ficarra of Glenmoore, Miss Philadelphia, was named third runner-up and won a $1,750 scholarship. Latrobe’s Jayden Moffa, Miss Southwestern Pa., was named fourth runner-up and won a $1,250 scholarship.

The rest of the top 11 finalists each received a $750 scholarship. All 22 contestants received a $100 scholarship in honor of the national competition’s 100th anniversary.

Other preliminary winners were Miss Maria Cade (Thursday talent), Miss DeAnna Poole (Friday red carpet runway) and Miss York County Elisa Rivera of Plains (Friday talent).

Jaylen Baron from Eagleville was named Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen and received a $7,000 scholarship from the Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation.

Shelly Stallsmith is a trends reporter for the York Daily Record. She can be reached at mstallsmith@ydr.com or followed on Twitter at @ShelStallsmith.