A crowning achievement

The Miss Fourth and Little Miss Fourth pageants showcase friendship, camaraderie and community spirit

By Olivia Labonte
Posted 5/28/25

The 2025 Little Miss and Miss Fourth of July Pageant truly embodied the spirit and camaraderie of what the Fourth of July means to residents of Bristol when the community crowned its Miss Fourth, …

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A crowning achievement

The Miss Fourth and Little Miss Fourth pageants showcase friendship, camaraderie and community spirit

Posted

The 2025 Little Miss and Miss Fourth of July Pageant truly embodied the spirit and camaraderie of what the Fourth of July means to residents of Bristol when the community crowned its Miss Fourth, Little Miss Fourth, and their respective courts.

The title and crown of Miss Fourth of July was given to a shocked Ava Valenzuela. Visibly stunned by the announcement, Valenzuela accepted her crown with grace and humility.

“I’m so proud of every single girl who competed tonight,” she said following her win. “They’re all winners in my heart.”

Joining her in the Miss Fourth Court are First Runner-Up Angela Pirri, who was also honored with the title of Miss Congeniality, as voted by her fellow contestants; Second Runner-Up Samantha Malafronte, Third Runner-Up Emmerson Cornell, and Fourth Runner-Up Addison Ferreira.
Family and friends erupted in applause for 2025 Little Miss Fourth of July Scarlett Tucker. She accepted her title, radiating joy, while 2024 Miss Fourth of July Skyla Silvia placed the crown on her head. The Little Miss Court consisted of First Runner-Up Florence Ring and Second Runner-Up Olivia Waldman.

The evening started with the shocking news that the event nearly didn’t happen. Mistress of Ceremonies Mary Lou Palumbo told the audience that a squirrel had caused a power outage. But those who had a hand in putting this event together, including pageant committee leaders Nat and Patty Squatrito, persevered and made sure the show went on as planned.

Community spirit was on full display from the very start of the evening. When the curtains opened to reveal the Miss Fourth contestants ready for their opening number, a few girls were seen holding hands, a sign of support and mentorship for each other.

Following the introductions of the contestants, the girls dazzled judges Peter Kiley, Joanne Medberry, Andrea Siegel, Debra Wessner, and tabulator Frank Fales during the formalwear and Q&A portion of the event.

During intermission, members of Extensions School of Dance performed a lyrical routine to “This Land is Your Land” and a hip hop routine to “Black Cat.” In addition, members of the Mt. Hope High School Chorus performed their renditions of two patriotic songs.

After the judging concluded, the 2024 Little Miss and Miss Fourth of July said their goodbyes. Little Miss Riley McGinn thanked the Bristol Fourth of July committee, especially Nat and Patty Squatrito. “If I were to list everything, we’d be here all night” she said in her outgoing address. 2024 Miss Fourth Skyla Silvia reflected that, “Being Miss Fourth of July isn’t just about wearing a crown. It’s about showing up for your community with heart and humility.” These words clearly summarize what the spirit of being Miss Fourth is. It gives young girls the opportunity to meet new people and do good for their community.
The court will attend upcoming Fourth of July events, including the Fourth of July Ball, the Flag Day ceremony, and of course the Bristol Fourth of July Parade.

Miss Fourth of July

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.