Julia Scaparotti, Medford resident and Patriots Cheerleader, will be representing the Bay State this weekend as Miss Massachusetts in the 2017 Miss USA Pageant, May 14 in Las Vegas.
By Christopher Hurley 
churley@wickedlocal.com 
Julia Scaparotti is gearing up for another Super Sunday.
The Medford resident and New England Patriots Cheerleader will be representing the Bay State this weekend as Miss Massachusetts, in the 2017 Miss USA Pageant, May 14 in Las Vegas, Nev.
A Peabody native, Scaparotti, 25, arrived in Vegas May 3, running through a gauntlet of events and personal appearance. Her jam-packed schedule has been booked solid, from filming many of the show’s pre-taped segments, to performing in numerous dress rehearsals.
It’s been a whirlwind experience for the Peabody High graduate, as she gets ready to take the national stage,
“The time that I am here, I hope to really connect with each of the 50 contestants and be able to brag that I have a friend in every state,” Scaparotti said.
The preliminary round of the pageant takes place May 11 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, as women from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete for a finalist spot. The field will be narrowed Sunday, during the live TV broadcast of the pageant, May 14 on Fox.
The Medford Transcript recently caught up with Julia Scaparotti to get her thoughts on all things Miss USA.
How do you feel in the days leading up to the competition?
It feels so surreal that I’ll be on the Miss USA stage competing in less than a week, instead of watching it on my couch at home in Massachusetts. The last couple of weeks haven’t been easy, but it is a journey that I am proud of and have grown from.
How have you been preparing?
I’ve been on a strict fitness and nutrition plan as well as practicing my walk and prepping for interview. Every single day, I’ve done something to make sure that I am bringing the best version of myself to the Miss USA stage. I have truly been preparing for this moment since I first walked on the Miss Massachusetts USA stage four years ago.
What are your earliest memories of the Miss USA pageant growing up?
The earliest memories I have of the Miss USA competition is watching with my mother and aunt Mary. I’ve always looked up to the Miss USA contestants because these women were full of confidence, grace, and success. It is truly an honor to now be a contestant where I can inspire young girls to be themselves and to go after their dreams. Women have always been strong and fearless and I feel Miss USA gives us a platform to spread this message around the world.
When did the dream begin for you?
I’ve always dreamt of being Miss USA, but it was only recently that I actually believed I possessed the qualities Miss USA has. To me the title represents strength, fearlessness, confidence, and integrity. If I were to be crowned Miss USA I would spread my message of believing in oneself and to inspire others to go after their dreams. My ultimate career goal is to be a lifestyle and entertainment reporter and Miss USA has given me the opportunity to network and gain skills to help me on my career path.
You told me earlier there is no talent portion of the competition, but if there were what would your talent be?
If there were a talent portion of the Miss USA competition because I am a New England Patriots Cheerleader, I would definitely do a cheer for Tom Brady!
How many friends and family are you expecting to see in Las Vegas?
My mother is one of seven, so I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins coming. I have a couple Patriots’ cheerleaders coming as well as some of my best friends. I would say I have around 40 people traveling from Massachusetts to support me! I feel so very lucky and so very loved.
Any final thoughts?
This has truly been the best year of my life and no matter what happens on May 14, I will always be proud of the woman I have become. This experience is life changing and I encourage everyone to be fearless and go after whatever they want to accomplish in life.
The Miss USA Fan Vote is now open. To vote online, visit vote.missusa.com. Download the Miss USA app or go on MissUSA.com for more information. Fans can vote up to 10 times a day.
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