I am one week away from leaving for Miss America, and it hardly seems real. An event I have wished and hoped for my entire life and in a blink of an eye it will be over. I am fortunate to say that I am enjoying each and every moment.
My efforts for improved literacy and a love of reading continue. I had the honor of speaking at the New Jersey Teacher’s Convention at the luncheon for higher education and The Dionne Warwick Dream Academy. I especially liked visiting The Dion Warwick Dream Academy in Newark, NJ because my visit was themed around achieving your dreams. We talked a lot about the hard work that must go into making dreams come true. I also appreciate the many parents that attended the presentation because it is my belief that parents can play a key role in encouraging their children to dream big, work harder, and then reach further. The students were excited to be able to pick out a book to take home as well. A big thank you goes out to all those who have given donations of books and especially Five Below. There are so many children lacking the reading material they need to enhance their passion for reading and the generous donations help to aid that tremendously.
Supporting Children’s Miracle Network, the national platform, is also very important. This past month I participated in the Ramapo College Dance Marathon to benefit Children’s Specialized Hospital, an affiliate of Children’s Miracle Network. It was a wonderful event that raised $12,369.03. I love to dance, but it was also special to spend the evening with the kids that will benefit from this fundraiser. This is one of the most rewarding parts of being Miss New Jersey.
I was privileged to meet William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense. As an International Studies major concentrating on Security Studies, he is someone I look up to and admire. He wished me luck in my future in diplomacy and mentioned me as a future Secretary of State. Watch out Hillary Clinton!
For as long as I can remember I have woken up on Thanksgiving morning to turn on channel ABC and watch the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade. This year, however, was much different. Instead, I had the pleasure of riding in the parade! Natalie Ragazzo, Miss NJOT, and I joined the queens from Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well as Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Elizabeth Fechtel, to ride through the city of brotherly love on a beautiful Thanksgiving morning. There was only one small hiccup. To everyone’s great amusement, I accidently fell on one of the Christmas trees on our float…so much for grace. J We all enjoyed ourselves, and Dunkin’ Donuts put on a great parade.
After my morning in Philadelphia I headed back across the river to Cherry Hill, NJ, where I joined former Miss NJ, Jill Horner, for a surprise Thanksgiving feast for a group of service men and women in the military. This really was a fun event full of good food, dancing and a little trivia competition. I hope all the heroes that were there enjoyed their holiday even if it was spent away from loved ones and family. They cannot be thanked enough for the sacrifice they make to protect our country.
A few days after the holiday I had reason to be extremely thankful. The Miss Coastal Shore Scholarship Pageant, under the direction of Michael McCann, my local title director, hosted a huge send-off party for me. I was treated like a true queen as I received many well wishes and gifts from many generous and loving people. I am so blessed to have the support of so many wonderful people. Everything was perfect about the party from the entertainment and centerpieces to the chocolate fountain. (I am a huge chocoholic.)
One of my favorite Christmas traditions has always been watching or performing in The Nutcracker. My dance studio asked me to perform again this year, and I am so thankful. Tricia Sloan Dance Center has been so supportive, and I cannot thank them enough. I had a wonderful time playing a party mom and dancing in Flowers and Spanish.
With Miss America quickly approaching I have been working hard to prepare. I have received my competition gown which was donated by Crowning Touch and designed by Stephen Yearick Privata Inc. as well as my alternate gown donated by Ideal Fashions and designed by Tony Bowls. I cannot wait to wear them on the Miss America stage! I am also pleased to announce that Spa Villa is sponsoring my nail care for Miss America. Alanna’s Fashions in Mullica Hill invited me to spend a few hours in the store meeting customers. The store then gave me a beautiful cocktail dress and Bella Lux was having a trunk show at the same time and also generously provided me with a dress. I am so thankful for all my sponsors!
Lastly, I would like to congratulate our new local title holders: Kayla Collymore, Chrystina Lewis, and Nicole Washington. They are the newest contenders for Miss New Jersey 2012, and I am very excited for them to be a part of the Miss NJ family.
Till next time,
Katharyn Nicolle
Miss New Jersey 2011
