Melissa DiGiulian is a 20 year old Maryland native from Ocean City, whose radiant smile projects her inner beauty along with her compassionate awareness of social issues. She is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she plans to obtain her B.A. in Business with a concentration in International Studies. In the future she would like to advance her knowledge with further education in Italy. Recently, Melissa was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society in recognition for outstanding academic achievement by a college freshman.

In addition to Melissa’s studies, her involvement with community service expresses her genuine care and dedication for others. She volunteers for Women Supporting Women (WSW) a local chapter which provides awareness, education, friendship and support for Breast Cancer Survivors and their families. In an effort to fund community outreach programs, Melissa participated in the WSW Night at the Races “Paint Ocean Downs Pink” in July and the 16 th Annual Marian Colbert Invitational Golf Tournament on Labor Day. While at school Melissa continues her volunteer work as a member of the Center for Leadership Education and Service (CLES). Recently she participated in a CLES Halloween Carnival, a community sponsored event for local children to trick or treat in safety.

In 2004, Melissa was instrumental in organizing a successful Blanket Drive for the Homeless, collecting over 600 blankets. Moreover, significant volunteer service with Happy Helpers for the Homeless in Baltimore earned her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Being no stranger to physical fitness, as a youth Melissa was an accomplished gymnast and soccer player. At the age of 12 she completed training and certification as a National Referee within the United States Soccer Federation. Melissa’s presence as a referee on the field serves as a role model for her peers as well as for young girls. She has continued to maintain her healthy lifestyle through physical activity and proper nutrition. Her other interests include fishing, golfing, dancing, knitting and shopping.

Melissa is excited with the opportunity to represent her state in the upcoming Miss USA pageant which is to be televised live from Baltimore on NBC on April 21, 2006 .