Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian – a wife, mother, corporate administrative assistant, charitable contributor, and volunteer extraordinaire – was recently crowned Mrs. Rhode Island America during the annual tri-state pageant held at Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Ledyard, Conn.
In August, the Johnston native will be at the Westgate Resort in Las Vegas competing for the national Mrs. America crown.
“We are very thrilled to have Gina represent Rhode Island in the Mrs. America Pageant,” said Elaine Paola, who has produced the event for more than two decades. “She does so much for the community. I’m truly amazed what she has done so far with her title.”
Making public appearances is nothing new for Sabironi-Arakelian, who is believed to be the first Johnston woman to hold the Mrs. Rhode Island American title. She is a former winner of the Mrs. Rhode Island Italia crown.
Sabitoni-Arakelian was voted Mrs. Rhode Island America by a panel of seven judges, who heaped high marks on the wife of George Arakelian Jr., owner of A Custom Car Stereo Center on Atwood Avenue, and mother of George III and Giavanna.
Contestants were judged in three categories – a three-minute personal interview with the judges, a swimsuit presentation, and an evening gown presentation.
“Gina did very, very well in all those categories,” Paola said.
Sabitoni-Arakelian initially wasn’t even going to enter the Mrs. Rhode Island America contest. However, her close friend Stephanie Paolissi, who is a former Miss Rhode Island Italia, kept prodding her to go for it.
She also received encouragement and support from her 101-year-old grandmother, Margaret DiMuccio of Cranston.
“Thank you Nana Di,” Sabitoni-Arakelian said. “You always knew I could do it. You are such a motivating force in my life. I love you.”
Sabitoni-Arakelian delivered a similar message to Paolissi, saying: “You are a great friend, and I thank you for believing and encouraging me to become a contestant. You inspired me to follow my dream, and for that I am grateful, and also for your friendship. And I’m excited to share my journey with you.”
“I’d have to say this is without question a personal triumph for Gina,” George Arakelian Jr. said. “Never give up on your goals and dreams. Gina believed she could do it, and she did. Like her, I believe in dreams.”
Sabitoni-Arakelian is an administrative assistant for the Rhode Island Laborers District Council and Judicial, Professional and Technical Employees Local 808. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Roger Williams University.
“I believe you are never too old to set a goal,” she said. “I believe you can be 50 and fabulous, that’s why I participated in the Mrs. Rhode Island America Pageant.”
On Aug. 27, Sabitoni-Arakelian will be on stage in Las Vegas with other candidates who are hoping to be crowned Mrs. America.
“We have a lot of confidence in Gina,” said Paola, who along with her husband Ray owns and operates the Mrs. Rhode Island America contest. “We’ll have our fingers crossed for Gina and we wish her well, and that she becomes the first woman in our state to ever win the title of Mrs. America.” 1
TOWN’S CONGRATULATIONS:
Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena invited Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian to Town Hall to offer his congratulations on being crowned Mrs. Rhode Island America. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)
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FIRST FOR JOHNSTON:
Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian is the first Johnston woman to ever win the title of Mrs. Rhode Island America. (Submitted photos) 3
REASON TO SMILE:
Gina Sabitoni-Arakelian and her husband George Arakelian are all smiles after her recent win in the Mrs. Rhode Island America Pageant. 4
FIELD OF FINALISTS:
Johnston’s Gina Sabironi-Arakelian joins the three other Mrs. Rhode Island America finalists. They are Sarah Vaudrain, first runner-up; Jennifer Bissonnette, second runner-up; and Melissa Caramiciu, third runner-up.
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