Gianna Capri, fourth-grade student and Florida International United Miss Jr. Preteen 2024, IUM, spoke at Morning Star School in Jacksonville on March 26 to students in grades nine through 12, as well as students from the elementary level about her message of inclusion and kindness.
“Anthony, MSHS class of 2027, invited his sister, Gianna, to speak with classmates and teachers Monday about her charity work and continuing her Uncle Mike’s mission of living out the love of Christ,” said ninth-grade teacher Laura Brock. “Gianna shared the story of Liho, a dolphin befriended by her uncle that made a lasting impression of kindness. As a reminder of what simple kindness can do, Gianna gifted everyone with a stuffed dolphin. She encouraged all of us to be kind to one another, never fear mistakes and remember we are all loved precisely as we are, for that’s how God made us.”
Gianna brought her same message of compassion to her own class at St. Brendan’s Catholic School in Ormond Beach on March 26. She read the book “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” a funny story about a dinosaur named Penelope and her first day of school. Gianna passed out little dinosaurs to her class as a reminder of how to be a good friend.
Gianna talked to all the students at each school about being HEROIC and the International United Miss Scholarship Pageant. HEROIC is the initiative for IUM (International United Miss) and stands for Honesty, Empathy, Respect, Optimism, Integrity and Community.
IUM’s message of leading by example and being a role model for others is something Gianna’s Uncle Mike would truly appreciate. Wheelchair-bound and nonverbal, Michael Alberico always made a friend and taught those who met him that compassion and kindness come in all forms. Gianna encourages students when she meets with them that people may not all look alike or have the same abilities, but all can have respect and empathy for differences.
International United Miss was founded by Holly Sour and Krisann Binetti in 2016. IUM is a scholarship-style pageant system.
Morning Star School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference with a mission rooted in the Gospel and strengthened by the sacraments. It was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, who have been educating students since 1956.
Michael’s ‘Ohana was established in June of 2021 after the death of Michael Alberico a long-time resident of Ormond Beach. Michael’s ‘Ohana raises awareness, funding and gifts for nonprofit organizations especially those within the intellectual developmental disability and other special needs community.
Alberico loved visiting the Hawaiian islands. In honor of Alberico and his passions for the Hawaiian islands Michael’s ‘Ohana was established. Gianna will continue to bring Aloha to the State of Florida while keeping her uncle’s legacy alive.
To get involved with Michael’s ‘Ohana, contact Jennifer Capri at ourohanamichaelalberico@gmail.com. For more information on IUM go to Internationalunitedmiss.com.
