Sunday, July 24, 2011

July 9, 2011

After three weeks I am only beginning to get used to the idea that Miss New Jersey lives in my house, wears my clothes, and has my face. First and foremost I want to acknowledge and thank the 22 women in the class of 2011 for not only making the week in Ocean City incredibly memorable, but also for being an inspiration. You are beautiful, intelligent, talented, and most of all hard working. When I wake up each morning it is all of you that give me the determination to be the best Miss New Jersey I can. I also would like to acknowledge Ashleigh Udolavas, Miss New Jersey 2010. She is a beautiful and eloquent woman that served the state so well. For years she has served as an example to me.
To say the least, the first few weeks have been wonderful. Already I have traveled throughout the great garden state and met some of the interesting people that live here. I attended the State Line Golf Outing at Architects Golf Club. It was a fundraiser for the Phillipsburg High School football team. Then almost in my backyard I was invited to a dinner and fundraiser on the Battleship New Jersey. We got to tour the newly restored second gun turret and after dinner we watched fireworks over the Delaware River. I met a Special Olympics athlete while I was there, and he gave me his card which said that one of his hobbies is “girl watching.” I was tickled pink to have been noticed by him. J  Last Saturday I had a chance to go back to where it all started in the Ocean City Music Pier for the Miss Cape May County pageant. Congratulations to Jennifer Taylor! She is the first Miss New Jersey 2012 contestant to be crowned. It was also a very special week because it was our nation’s birthday. I spent Independence Day morning in Smithville. They officially have the longest parade in the state! The parade ended in historic Smithville where there was a ceremony in which we had a chance to honor the many service men and women who have become our country’s real life super heroes.
The date for the final night of Miss America was also released. Everyone mark your calendars and remember to tune into ABC on January 14th to see the crowning of Miss America 2012. Also keep your fingers crossed that the title goes to a Jersey Girl this year.
Till next time,
Katharyn Nicolle
Miss New Jersey 2011