Tosca Carolyn Masini

Hometown: Sparks

Age (at crowning): 24

School: University of Nevada, Reno (Graduate)

College Major: Bachelors in Sociology

Occupation: Sparks Junior High School Teacher

Scholarship Winnings: $3,000

Platform: Unknown

Talent: Musical Comedy Sketch in Spanish, Italian, and English

Fun Facts:

• Elected an “Honorary Lion” by the Lions Club, the only woman to hold that title
• Made a statewide tour traveling over 6,000 miles and 42 appearances before Miss America
• Original Wardrobe from Magiceye, designed by Goya
• Quit teaching to pursue a movie career in 1951
• QUOTES:
  • “I went to Atlantic City last year expecting the Miss America pageant to be just a figure and face beauty contest designed merely to exploit the energy, enthusiasm and beauty of youth.” 
  • “I would enthusiastically urge any eligible young American girl to participate in this national event, which recognizes promising talent and rewards it with scholarships directed to practical study.”

Miss America:

• Top 16 Finalist at Miss America and finished in 7th Place
• There were 16 finalists that year instead of 15 because there was a tie for 15th place
• Won $1000 scholarship as a finalist at Miss America

• Married Lawrence Means and had 2 daughters.
• She later opened her own theatre called “On Broadway” in Coos Bay, Oregon.
• Tosca is deceased (8/17/2002)