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Biographical Information Jessica Megliss is a 2006 graduate from the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting and Finance. A native of North Huntingdon, Jessica graduated from Norwin Senior High School in 2002. Presently, Jessica is an Auditor for Deloitte & Touche, LLP, a global public accounting firm, in the Pittsburgh Office.
As a student at Norwin Senior High School, Jessica excelled academically as she was a member of the National Honor Society, appeared with the Quiz Team on KDKA Pittsburgh’s “Hometown High-Q” Show and was inducted as a member of “Who’s Who among American High School Students”. In addition, as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, Jessica continued in the pursuit of academic excellence as she was a member of the Dean’s list, National Residence Hall Honorary, comprised of the top 1% of residence hall leaders, Lambda Sigma Honor Society, comprised of 50 students from the 2002 freshman class demonstrating excellence in academics and leadership, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, recognizing outstanding academic achievement among first and second year college students and encouraging leadership development through community service.
As Miss Three Rivers, Jessica utilizes her title to promote her platform “Promoting Mentoring in Our Communities with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.” Jessica’s passion for mentoring began while she was attending Norwin Middle School, as she was selected to be a “Peer Mediator”, serving to assist fellow students in solving their problems and aide them in the process of making better decisions. Continuing to develop her skills as a mentor and a positive role model, as a student at the high school, Jessica was a Cheerleader and honored to chosen as the school Mascot, "Knightro"; the ambassador of school spirit, student teacher good will and academic achievement, and spent her time performing at school events and throughout the community promoting her message "Rise to the Challenge – Dare to be yourself, don't give in to peer pressure.
Today, Jessica is very dedicated to her platform as she spends her time creating awareness, throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area, of the differences made in the lives of children who are involved in mentoring programs, from her own life experiences as a mentor to her “Little Sister” Shawndasia, as she has been invited to speak on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh at fundraisers and recruitment events including “Thank you” Breakfasts for Corporate Sponsors and the Summer Happy Hour Tour. Jessica has also been a Team Captain for Big Brothers Big Sisters largest annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, for this year’s event, and organized a team for Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Local Titleholders to join, and take part in the event.
While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Jessica was a Resident Assistant, Resident Educator and Programming Coordinator on campus. In 2006, Jessica was named the “Resident Assistant of the Year” for her dedication to her floor, and her commitment to enriching the college experience of students living on campus academically and socially. As a Program Coordinator, Jessica spread her passion for mentoring to fellow undergraduates by providing the “Big for a Day” Programs including one-time match events for the children on the waiting list to be matched with a “Big” working in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. In 2007, Jessica formed a partnership with Pittsburgh Cares, continuing the promotion and opportunities for “Big for a Day” Programs within the Greater Pittsburgh Area at Carnegie Mellon University. In June of 2008, Jessica was featured in the "Volunteer Spotlight" of the Pittsburgh Cares Newsletter, in recognition of her dedication to the development of mentoring throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
Alongside the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, Jessica was a featured twirler of the “Golden Girls”. In addition to collegiate twirling, Jessica twirled competitively for 11 years and was a featured performer for the Macy’s Celebrate the Season Parade broadcast by WPXI Pittsburgh, an NBC affiliate. Throughout her years of competitions, Jessica achieved many state and national titles including Miss Majorette of America and in 2003, the title of Corps Captain of the Year, recognizing her leadership, enthusiasm and perseverance, as the Captain of her team, the Modernettes, awarding lifetime recognition at America’s Youth on Parade National Championships. Furthermore, Jessica was honored to compete in two World Championships including the 2000 World Championships in Birmingham, England and the 2003 World Championships held in Marseilles, France. In 2000, Jessica was awarded the “Silver”, and as a captain of the 2003 USA twirl team, Jessica was very proud to bring home the “Gold” with the Modernettes. In recognition of this achievement, Jessica was awarded a proclamation for “outstanding leadership” by the Mayor of Pittsburgh for exemplifying team spirit for the USA at the World Championships, and as a representative of Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh.
Throughout the past year, Jessica has dedicated herself to serving the community, as a representative of the Miss America Organization, and was invited to many events including events held on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation of the Alleghenies, Pennsylvania Fur Trappers Association, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Kids’ Voice, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Beaver County, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania, and various walks including the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, March of Dimes Walk for Babies, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Walk Now for Autism. Jessica also was the co-chairperson for the First Annual “Miracles and Fashion”; a Fashion Show held on behalf of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund and Children’s Miracle Network, and continued her relationship as a volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Veteran Affairs Hospital, serving as a guest for the Veteran’s Day Celebration, Winter Celebration Party, bed-side visits and planning interactive events for the patients and other volunteers. In acknowledgement of her year of service, and advocacy for volunteerism throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area, Jessica was awarded a proclamation recognizing “her efforts and endless support of her community”. |
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