Former Patriots Cheerlader Alysha Castonguay is Miss Rhode Island USA
Alysha is a 2005 graduate of Woonsocket High School where she graduated with honors excelling in theatre arts, gymnastics, and cheerleading. From 2005-2006, she attended the University of Rhode Island. Alysha majored in Elementary Education and was a cheerleader for the university’s football and basketball teams.
In spring of 2006, Alysha had the opportunity to audition for a professional cheerleading team. She was honored to be selected to the exclusive team of 24 women. The stunning brunette’s exceptional career as a professional model and cheerleader provided her with several opportunities to travel the world and model for nationally recognized publications. Alysha’s cheerleading/modeling career provided her with a hands on opportunity to fulfill many unique roles. Alysha has been a leader, role model, ambassador, and volunteer. She has traveled around New England making appearances for charitable organizations as well as corporate events. She was also selected as one of six women to travel overseas on the OSG (Operation Seasons Greetings) tour to entertain and meet with U.S. military troops stationed in Germany, Turkey, England and Iraq.
In April of 2007, a remarkable opportunity surfaced allowing Alysha and her mother to fulfill a lifelong family dream of owning and operating an all-star cheerleading gym for inner-city youth. The gym which is family oriented caters to children and emphasizes the philosophy that one can achieve anything with a good attitude, hard work, determination and teamwork. Through fundraising, the tuition for the team members is defrayed allowing the members the chance to be a part of a competitive cheerleading team and experience the joy of competition at both the local and national levels. Since opening only two years ago, the gym has grown from two teams to six! Their ultimate goal would be to expand the gym to additional locations along the east coast. Alysha is also a financial consultant representative for Bank of America.
In her free time, Alysha enjoys singing, spending time with her family and dogs (Molly and Pom-Pom), and watching her brother play baseball.
The 2009 Miss USA Pageant airs Sunday, April 19th on NBC.
