Julia Hurley is an energetic 14-year-old, who is ready to take the stage strong when she competes for Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen 2018, in just a few short weeks! Continue reading to learn more about Julia, what she learned from the reigning MAOTeen MA, Carly Fisher, and her journey to the crown!

Tweet

For those who may not be familiar with you, tell our readers a bit about yourself and your background within the pageant world.
Hi, I’m your Miss Fall River’s Outstanding Teen 2018, Julia Hurley. I’m a 14-year-old high school freshman. I’m an honors student and my favorite subject is biology. I’m also a varsity field hockey player and competitive cheerleader. I’m the first ever Miss Fall River’s Outstanding Teen, as the title was brand new this year. This was the first pageant I’ve ever done.

The four points of the Miss America crown represent: service, scholarship, style, and success. Which one is the most important to you and why?
Service is the most important to me, because as teens we can better our communities and help others. I’m grateful that my title gives me many opportunities to meet people I wouldn’t otherwise meet through community service.


During Carly Fisher’s reign, what is one characteristic you’ve seen her bring forth as Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, and which do you hope to emulate if you were to win the title?
Carly is naturally good with people, and makes everyone she meets smile. At Miss Boston this year, Carly was presented an award by a special patient named Kailyn from Boston Children’s Hospital, and by the way this little girl lit up when she saw Carly, I could tell she touched this her life. She won the national Miracle Maker award last year, which has inspired me to raise funds for Boston Children’s Hospital.

What have you learned from our current Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen Carly Fisher that can help you be a better outstanding teen?
Carly is different and creative. I love her talent (speed painting). She is authentic and always herself.

Please share with our readers your platform and why you’ve chosen to advocate for it.
My platform is Walking With Jane, Fighting NET Cancer. Jane Dybowski was a high school biology teacher both of my parents had. Her husband, Harry Proudfoot, was my mom’s journalism teacher, and he’s one of my biggest role models. Jane passed from NET (neuroendocrine tumor) cancer because she, like many other NET cancer patients, was misdiagnosed over and over with things like IBS and by the time her cancer was discovered, it was too late for treatment. Harry founded Walking With Jane to help raise awareness and funds after her death. We participate in the Jimmy Fund marathon walk every year along with many other events to raise money and awareness for NET cancer. I admire the way Harry used his grief and anger to bring positive change in Jane’s memory. We aren’t walking FOR Jane, we are walking WITH her, because her memory lives on.

If you were to win the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
I hope to bring awareness that it is important to advocate for your own health. NET cancer has vague symptoms and is frequently misdiagnosed. By the time the real diagnosis is reached, it’s too late to treat. Studies have shown approximately 1% of the population could be living with NET cancer, which means there are potentially millions of un-diagnosed cases. Knowing what NET cancer is, and how to advocate for yourself could save lives.


Tell us about your talent and the decisions you made in proceeding with this talent.
I’m playing “What A Wonderful World” on alto saxophone. It was my uncle’s favorite song, and I’m playing a saxophone that belonged to my grandfather. I’m playing it memory of them both, as they were both lost to addiction. I think it’s important to remember every addict is a person with family that loves them.

Having been in pageants and after winning a local title, what advice do you have for those who want to start competing in the MAO system?
It can seem very overwhelming, but it’s worth it! I was so nervous competing in my first pageant, but there are so many people to help you and prepare you. I’ve gained a whole group of new friends through my pageant sisters, and I’m so glad I put my nerves aside and just did it!

Because of the way media and certain television networks have portrayed the lifestyle of pageantry, there is a preconceived notion of what a pageant girl is like. How do you think that being a part of the Miss America Organization you are able to break that barrier?
I think just by being me I break that barrier. TV and movies have given people a preconceived notion of what a “pageant girl” looks and acts like. I’m not a tall, skinny, supermodel type of girl. I’m 5’2” and I’m athletically built. I’m smart and I love science, especially biology. I don’t want to change who I am in order to compete in pageants, and that’s why I am part of the Miss America Organization. They value scholarship and talent, not beauty and appearance.

Regardless of who wins the title of Miss Massachusetts’ Outstanding Teen, what is one goal which you have for them, which you hope they will accomplish during their reign?
I hope they cherish every minute of their reign, and use it to better the world around them through promoting their platform and taking every community service opportunity presented to them.


Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what make you “bravura.”
My work ethic and determination is what makes me bravura. I give 110% to everything I do, whether it’s in the classroom, on the field hockey field or cheer mat, or even on the stage. I believe my biggest competition is myself, and I push myself to be better each day.

Where can fans follow you on social media?
You can follow my journey on Instagram @mfroteen, or on Facebook at Miss Fall River’s Outstanding Teen.

Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Every contestant is an amazing, strong and talented young woman who will represent Massachusetts well! I’m so thankful I’ve had this opportunity to get to know you all!