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Bravura Magazine is excited to continue our series “The Road to Miss New Jersey,” with our next contestant, Miss Burlington County, Samantha Mason. She too was excited to share with the readers more about herself and said, “We, of course, love any chance to raise awareness for our personal platforms and for the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation and Miss America Organization! (I) hope (the readers) enjoy learning a bit more about us…”

Please tell us why you chose to compete for your local county’s title?
I entered my first local as a bet! What I first believed was just a leap of personal faith out of my own comfort zone, ended up being a new experience that has shaped the last 4 years of my life. Volunteering has always been a large part of my life and the scholarship program has been very helpful , but what keeps me supporting the Miss America Organization, particularly the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation, is my opportunity to be a role model for the children in my community. Involved in the 4-H program from a young age, I was always exposed to inspiring role models, and then eventually turned into a role model myself. I believe it is my duty as a title holder to promote a positive image to the young people in my community who could possibly be looking up to me.

What do you plan to accomplish if you were to win the title of Miss NJ 2016?
As Miss New Jersey 2016, I would use my platform of The Power of Youth through 4-H to not only promote the 4-H program, but to encourage the young people of my state to get involved in the betterment of their community. It is a common misconception that 4-H is solely based around those involved with agriculture and livestock. I, personally, did benefit from the program’s horse club, but important skills and experiences I gained were cultivated through my involvement in the leadership clubs. These leadership clubs are eligible for all those involved in 4-H, and can be so beneficial for the community.

Share with our readers a bit more about you platform and why you picked this particular one.
I chose to promote my platform of The Power of Youth through 4-H, because it is a program I feel passionately about. My childhood was filled with community service and involvement, setting, planning and achieving my goals throughout my competitive horse showing career, and learning how to exercise my skills in various leadership roles. These are all opportunities that were given to me through the 4-H program. I was provided with experiences to travel on several educational trips throughout the United States which taught me how different each state is, and how my peers live. From an early age, I learned the importance of servicing my community and becoming educated on how to become a productive citizen. These are all skills and experiences I want as many children as possible to have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your own words, tell us what makes you ‘bravura’!
Bravura is such a fun term! I like to think I live a fun filled and interesting life, even outside of pageants! I have shown horses my whole life, and in 2015 I achieved a goal I never believed I would ever have the opportunity to accomplish. I won the “Golden Horse” award at the Palomino World Show. I have shown horses my whole life, and I have traveled the country to compete. To me, being bravura means that you not only use your natural skills, but that you are constantly aiming to better yourself, increase your skills and do the best you can in whatever field that may be. I have set several goals for myself and my horses over the years, and sometimes I felt like the only thing I was learning was how to lose! A true athlete understands this as part of the journey. I think what makes me bravura is my persistence in achieving my goals, my stubbornness in my efforts to see my dreams come true, and my ability to be flexible in that journey.

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To purchase tickets for the upcoming Miss New Jersey pageant, please visit THIS LINK.