Tweet

We are pleased to share with our readers a bit more about the second contestant competing for the title of Miss New Jersey, Miss Atlantic Shores, Alyssa Sullivan.

Please tell us why you chose to compete for your local county’s title?
I chose to compete for Miss Atlantic Shores because I wanted to make a difference in my community and in the Miss New Jersey organization. I saw a lot of the youth in my community lacking peer leadership. I felt (that) as a young woman, with a strong voice, (that) it is my job to step up. Our youth are most effected when they can relate to the person they’re speaking too. Reliability is perhaps one of the biggest parts of being a titleholder. Mother Teresa once said that we can’t all do great things, but we can do small things with great love. I hold this to be true. Everyday as Miss Atlantic Shores is an adventure. If I just affected one person that day with an assembly or even made them smile, I’ve done my job.

What do you plan to accomplish if you were to win the title of Miss NJ 2016?
I plan to leave my mark. I plan to dare to be different. I plan to inspire people. I want my year to be about giving back. I want to be the woman that little girls can hope to be like one day. In my life I have walked the path less traveled and that has made me strong. An important goal of mine is to bring more awareness to my platform, Peer Challenge Commit 2 Character…speaking to teens at the statewide level about how choices today determine your tomorrow, has affirmed my own life choices. I have been in their shoes. This is why reliability is so vital. I refuse to not portray difference as strength. Being fierce and pushing through obstacles in life is what makes doctors, lawyers, senators, and Miss New Jersey’s. I have a passionate message in my heart that I want to share; along with bringing attention to the true essence of the organization. No matter your platform, talent, or even your body structure, this organization is about productive character building. There are too many stereotypes out there about pageantry. After the crown is in the case and the glitter has faded, Miss America titleholders can be found on daytime television, Broadway’s stages, and even our nations’ capital. You never know where you may find a former pageant girl. I hope to make more citizens aware of the dedication, persistence, and responsibility that one must exhibit to serve the State of New Jersey!

Share with our readers a bit more about you platform and why you picked this particular one.
Peer Challenge Commit 2 Character is an organization, which focuses on risk taking behaviors and avoidance techniques. Through the title V Grant from the State of NJ, Peer Challenge is able to go into local middle schools and high schools all throughout NJ. Since 2011, I have been apart of this organization as a youth educator. Growing up in Cape May County, I’ve witnessed teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and teen alcohol abuse goes unacknowledged. Speaking from my own experience with peer pressure, I know how difficult it is to find yourself in a society that follows the crowd. The kids are always excited to see the crown but it’s even more exciting to me when they look past it and see that inside I am just like them.

“Bravura” is an artistic word for exceptional; in your own words, tell us what makes you ‘bravura.’
I am flawed. I am human. My exceptionable-self comes from my acceptance of my shortcomings. I am humble. However, I am strong in my convictions. I wouldn’t be able to stand In front of you today without being resilient and understanding of my personal growth. People have the misconception that because I wear a shiny crown that I am invincible. But what makes me feel exceptional is being exactly who I am.

—

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