Miss New Jersey week is so close! One week from tonight I will be in Ocean City
ready to check in for my third year competing for the title of Miss New
Jersey. Looking back on my experience
with the Miss America Organization, and especially with the Miss New Jersey
Education Foundation, I am filled with nothing but fond memories and
lessons. I’m sure that regardless of
what happens in this year’s pageant, those memories will grow and continue to
shape the person I am! My year as Miss
Gloucester County has been a dream come true.
I have been so blessed to have met numerous community members and have
been able to complete countless volunteer acts in Gloucester County. I was reminded of how lucky I am yesterday at
Kelcie and my send-off party. We were
surrounded by so much love and motivation- I don’t think I can put into words
how it made me feel. As a teen
contestant growing up, I was afraid to tell my friends about my pageant
endeavors. I was afraid of coming off the
wrong way and wanted to avoid the stereotypes that so many believe. I looked around the room yesterday and saw so
many faces of people I care about, supporting me and my journey.
One of my "little stars" for this year!
My beautiful cousin, Maddi :)
Mama Grabert & Christopher!
Rachel allowed me to come speak in her 5th grade class this year!
The most lovely Mom-mom!
Thank you, Amanda for serenading us with your amazing voice and being such an awesome sister!
Love the Miss GC/MissSJ pageant family!
Today,
because of your confidence in me, I am proud to tell friends, family, and
strangers about my time competing in the organization, and enjoy proving the
“pageant girl” stereotype wrong. Do I
have an affinity for glitter? Yes. Do I enjoy wearing make-up? Yes.
Do I strut on stage in a swimsuit and 5 inch heels? Yes.
Do I live a lifestyle of health and fitness? Absolutely.
Do I spend every free moment I have advocating for a cause? Absolutely.
Some aspects of the pageant stereotype are true, and I am unashamed and
proud to show that side of myself. What
others may not know is that there is so much hard work and dedication that goes
into competing in the Miss America Organization. Next week I will compete with some of the
most competent, healthy, bright, determined young women I have ever had the
pleasure of knowing. They are all
astounding in their ability to juggle being full-time students,
philanthropists, performers, and fierce friends. While some of us may fit into the pageant
stereotypes of glitter, makeup, hairspray, and high heels, we do not fit a mold
of perfection. Each contestant has a
unique story that has lead her to the Miss New Jersey stage. Most importantly, each contestant defies the
“pageant girl” stereotype’s idea that we must not get along. I cannot count the amount of times I have
lost my breath from laughter with these girls.
I cannot count the times I’ve been offered help when I needed it- whether
emotionally, in volunteer endeavors, or backstage. Next week will be no different. I am beyond excited to spend another week
with my fellow contestants, laughing, dancing, (not) sleeping, and making
memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you,
to all who keep up with my crazy #RoadToMissNewJersey. I hope you all understand that your support
does not go unnoticed. I feel like the
luckiest girl in all of Gloucester County to represent my community and what
it stands for! Stay tuned for another
blog post pre-pageant- there are plenty of thoughts going on and I’m excited to
share with you! To follow my day-to-day
endeavors as Miss GC, follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!
Brenna
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Keepcalmandvolunteeron
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCandVO or @kcandvo
Instagram: http://instagram.com/keepcalmandvolunteeron/ or @keepcalmandvolunteeron
Follow Kelcie and I as we represent Gloucester County and South Jersey at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Gloucester-County-Scholarship-Organization/111062678922833
Instagram: http://instagram.com/missgcandmisssj or @missgcandmisssj
Until next time,Brenna
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