Scotch Plains — Cierra Kaler-Jones, Miss New Jersey of the Miss America Pageant System, has started her tour of New Jersey schools in Scotch Plains. Recently she spoke to Ms. Call’s 9th and 12th grade health classes at Scotch Plains/Fanwood High School.
“I love speaking to the students and engaging in conversations with them,” she said. “They are a little intimidated at first, but warm up after they see I am just a regular college student with aspirations and dreams like everyone else.”
As a child born with a physical disability and also a first-generation college student in her family, Miss NJ has learned a lot about overcoming adversity. She speaks to students about being involved in constructive activities and the importance of volunteerism.
Her traveling companion Sally Johnston, a Scotch Plains resident, and director of the state wide program strongly believes in it. “I have watched girls blossom and become self actualized through the introspective process of participating in the local and state competitions.” This belief in the system is evident since she will be celebrating 50 years of volunteering with the National organization next year.
For more information about the scholarship program for Teen or the Miss contestants, or for booking Miss New Jersey for PTA meetings, girl scout meetings or classroom sessions, visit the website of Miss New Jersey Education Foundation.