Written by Gia Miller and Kayla Schmidt
Marialisa is the president and owner of Cyrus Contracting Corporation, where she works with many local businesses. She also plays on the Kiss My Pass flag football team and is the lead singer in the rock band Blame It On The Bourbon. Marialisa believes that being a longtime northern Westchester resident and her unique perspective make her a perfect fit for the judge’s panel.
Why did you choose to return as a judge?
It was so much fun. I liked chatting with the judges, hearing about other towns and learning what restaurants to check out next.
What stood out to you during the judging process this year?
I had a blast. It honestly was like a happy hour.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
I did not, but I’m willing to.
What was your philosophy for this year?
I feel like I don’t go into this type of thing with an agenda, only to give my honest opinion, and that’s what I did. I’m not trying to push anybody’s company, just giving my truthful opinion.
Who was the most opinionated judge?
I think the women sitting across from me were pretty opinionated. Vanessa and Jessica. They were the yip-yappers.
What’s harder: keeping the winners a secret or keeping your personal opinions to yourself?
Well, I definitely didn’t keep my opinions to myself, so I think I’m going to say that was more difficult. But I wasn’t really trying to either.
If you could sum up the judging experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Intellectual happy hour.
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Ugliest ugly sweater or a preschool talent show?
Preschool talent show. I miss my kids being little; now they’re angsty teens.
Dance battle or lip sync showdown?
Dance battle. I’m a real singer, so lip-synching does nothing for me.
Best creative cocktail or most exquisite hula dance?
Best creative cocktail. I don’t think anyone’s saying hula dance, or at least not from that group of judges!
Most creative excuse for being late or best secret handshake?
Most creative excuse for being late. I’m always late, and I never have a good excuse.
Most soothing song created exclusively with cat sounds or best attempt at building an Ikea dresser without instructions?
IKEA dresser for sure. People think they’re saving money by buying things from IKEA, but then they end up paying someone to put it together for them because they’ve wasted hours trying to do it themselves.
Most dramatic eye roll or worst parallel parking attempt?
Most dramatic eye roll. And my son would win.
Best dance to “The Wheels on the Bus” or most stunning painting of a walrus?
Best dance to The Wheels on the Bus with preschool teachers creating new moves.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
