“It Takes A Village”
One popular quote states: “It takes a village to raise a child.” However, I would
tailor that quote to say: “It takes a village to become Miss New Jersey.” The road to achieving my dream is paved
with good intentions from caring individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Taking a look at my
personal calendar, the objective eye sees appointments of all types: personal training sessions, voice lessons, wardrobe alterations,
and the like. These meetings are interspersed with my appearances as Miss Mercer County, my regular gym schedule, my social
calendar, and my academic schedule as a full-time law student. If you take a look closer at each appointment slot, you’ll
see more than just a meeting. You will see a person, or a group of people, who invests in my long-term success.
I have never
looked forward to a pageant more than I do to the 2011 Miss New Jersey Pageant. I feel overwhelming pride in the sheer quantity
and quality of supporters behind me. When I walk into the interview room to talk with the judges, and onstage to perform,
I will walk with the strength and grace of more than myself—I will walk with the strength and grace of everyone who
has played a part in my preparation.
What’s more, I look forward to the
pageant because I know that no matter what happens—whether I am a Non-Finalist or Miss New Jersey 2011—I will
have had the most extraordinary experience as a local titleholder, and will cherish this year forever. It is due to the love
and enthusiasm of others that this year is so exceptional.
Among the multitude of supporters, I wish to recognize:
- My
director: Kelly Rech-Astbury, The Rech Center for the Performing Arts, and all of the volunteers and sponsors of the Miss
Mercer County Scholarship Organization
- My
wardrobe sponsors: The Bridal Suite of Johnstown (PA), Renaissance Bridals (York, PA), and Red Carpet Pageant & Prom
-
My platform sponsor, The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mercer County
-
My personal trainer, Gretchen Whaley, and everyone at Evolution Health & Fitness in Haskell
-
My voice teacher, Patricia Genser of Bloomfield
-
My photographer, Richard Krauss of Jackson
- My
Children’s Miracle Network sponsors
- My
family and friends.
Most importantly, I would like to recognize the remarkable young women who make up the Miss New Jersey Class of 2011.
Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure to get to know “the crownheads” and am honored to call them
my friends. Each contestant brings something special to the group dynamic, and in doing so, brings something unique to the
job of Miss New Jersey. No matter who walks away with the opportunity to serve as our Miss New Jersey 2011, I know I am blessed
beyond comparison to have earned a spot in this group of elite scholars. These contestants are truly beautiful inside and
out… I love you all, and I can’t wait to see you in June.
To my friends and supporters: “It takes a village to become Miss New Jersey.” Thank you for being my
“village” and for working to turn my dream into reality!
Love always,
Carmen Jewel Bloom
Miss Mercer County 2011
