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IN MEMORIAM
 
LOUANNE MURPHY GAMBA

September 23, 2010

 
 We mourn the loss of our dear friend and mentor, Louanne “Lulu” Gamba. For over 40 dedicated years, she was instrumental in guiding the continued success of the Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Program.  

 
Thank you for your support.
 
 Board of Directors
 Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Program
 
 Benita Arroyo

Secretary@missri.com


After 38 years of teaching in the Foster-Glocester school system, Louanne retired from one of her passions in 2001.  Not only was she a passionate teacher, she was also an advocate for her fellow co-workers.  She served as the Glocester Teacher’s Association President for 4 years and the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Chair for 20 years.

 

She was a tireless and unwavering supporter of the Miss America Organization’s Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Program for over 40 years.  She began with the program in 1965, starting as production manager, moving on to become traveling companion for Miss Rhode Island to Miss America in Atlantic City, as well as serving on the Board of Directors.  She worked in almost every capacity for the Miss Rhode Island program, serving as the Executive Director for 16 years and for the last 7 years has been Chairwoman of the Board.  In addition, she served on the Board of the National Association of Miss America State Pageants.  She judged in state level pageants coast to coast - from Hawaii to Maine.

 

Originator and co-founder of the Coventry Players, which was one of the largest amateur theater groups in Rhode Island. She was the musical director for over thirty musicals as well as playing major rolls and directing several shows for other groups including Newport Playhouse, a professional theater company.   In addition, she was a Choir Director for 25 years, serving several churches in Rhode Island including Blessed Sacrament in Providence and Saints John and Paul Church in Coventry. 

 

She was the co-founder and talent director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island' Children's Fund, which serves over 4,000 children each year and funds over $150,000 in services for needy children and their families.  The NEARI Children’s Fund is 26 years old.


Recipients of the Louanne Gamba Instrumental Award at the Miss America Pageant


 Year  State                 Name              Instrument  Photo 
 2012  Texas  Kendall Morris  Piano  
 2011  Minnesota  Kathryn Knuttila  Piano  Miss Minnesota talent at Miss America 2011

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