My Journey within the Miss America Opportunity

By McKenzie Hegarty

The Miss America Opportunity has helped shape me into the woman I am today. I received my very first title in 2019, almost seven years ago, and I have been impacted by this organization ever since. 

Pageantry was always something that interested me, especially growing up in the musical theatre world as a classically trained vocalist. After spending nine years as a competitive Irish step dancer, being on stage always felt like home. I also participated in forensic public speaking throughout much of my childhood, which further strengthened my confidence and love for communication. When I was introduced to the Miss America Opportunity and learned more about the talent competition, interview process, public speaking, and community service aspects, I immediately knew I had found where I belonged. Everything I loved was brought together within one organization.

Competing at Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen 2020 was my very first pageant experience, where I placed 4th Runner-Up and won the talent competition. From that moment on, I truly caught the “pageant bug.” I later competed in the Miss division and became a Top 10 finalist at Miss New Jersey in both 2022 and 2023. While attending the University of Delaware, I was eligible to compete for Miss Delaware, where I placed 2nd Runner-Up overall in 2024.

In 2025, I decided to take a year away from competition for personal reasons. However, the life lessons and challenges I experienced during that time taught me so much about myself and strengthened me in ways I never expected. Today, I feel more prepared than ever to return to the Miss New Jersey stage.

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been my community service initiative, “Check, Protect, and Inspect Your Heart,” which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of preventative heart screenings and cardiac health education. This cause became deeply personal to me after my father nearly lost his life to coronary artery disease. A heart scan ultimately detected the issue before he suffered a major heart attack, leading to a lifesaving quadruple bypass surgery at just 49 years old. He was healthy, active, and had no warning signs of heart disease. While my father’s story had a positive outcome, many others are not as fortunate.

Through this initiative, I launched my own podcast where I interview healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates to discuss the importance of heart screenings and overall heart health awareness. I have also partnered with organizations including the American Heart Association and, more recently, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association of Denville, New Jersey.

My passion for this mission grew even stronger during my time as President of Alpha Phi at the University of Delaware. Alpha Phi’s philanthropy centers around women’s heart health and supporting the American Heart Association. During my leadership, our chapter raised over $100,000 through fundraising events, philanthropy initiatives, and volunteer work. Being able to lead those efforts was one of the greatest honors of my college experience.

Between my father’s story, Miss America’s partnership with the American Heart Association, and Alpha Phi’s longstanding commitment to heart health advocacy, I knew this was the path I was meant to pursue. Heart disease remains the number one killer in America, and I am committed to using my voice to advocate for education, prevention, and lifesaving screenings.
In 2025, I graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in professional selling and sales management. I am currently pursuing broadcast journalism while working as a reporter for The Pulse USA in Morristown, New Jersey, and as a vocal coach at Denville Music Academy.

As the Miss New Jersey competition approaches, I am grateful for the opportunity to return to this stage. I look forward to continuing to use my voice to inspire, advocate, and serve across the state of New Jersey.

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McKenzie Hegarty is the current Miss Bergen County (NJ). You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026: Inspiring Others Through Purpose and Representation

By Marsellina Purnawan

Winning the title of Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is more than a personal achievement; it represents an opportunity to inspire, uplift, and empower others. For me, this journey symbolizes perseverance, confidence, and the courage to embrace who we truly are. Pageantry is often misunderstood as being focused only on physical appearance. In reality, modern pageantry is about leadership, advocacy, community involvement, and using one’s voice to make a meaningful difference. It provides a unique platform to connect with others and encourage positive change while representing values such as confidence, resilience, and service.

My journey toward becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is rooted in the belief that representation truly matters. Many women, especially those who are petite, may feel overlooked or may believe that they do not fit the traditional mold of beauty or leadership often portrayed in society. However, leadership and influence are not defined by height, appearance, or stereotypes. Through this title, I hope to demonstrate that strength, intelligence, compassion, and determination come in all shapes and sizes. By embracing my individuality and celebrating my unique qualities, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own identities with pride and confidence.

This title also allows me to amplify causes that are deeply meaningful to me. I am passionate about mental health advocacy and promoting confidence and self-worth among people of all ages and backgrounds. In today’s world, many individuals struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. By speaking openly about these challenges, I hope to create conversations that reduce stigma and encourage people to prioritize their mental well-being. Whether I am attending community events, speaking with young people, or sharing my experiences with others, my goal is to remind individuals that their voices matter and that their dreams are achievable.

Another important aspect of this journey is resilience. Preparing for a pageant requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to grow both personally and professionally. There are moments of doubt and challenges along the way, but these experiences help build strength and character. Every step of the process, from preparation and training to public speaking and community engagement, provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and become more confident. By sharing both the successes and the struggles of my journey, I hope to demonstrate that growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

Becoming Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026 is not simply about wearing a crown; it is about wearing responsibility. Holding this title means representing my community with integrity, compassion, and authenticity. It means using my platform to encourage others, support meaningful causes, and serve as a positive role model. If my journey inspires even one person to believe in themselves more deeply, pursue their goals more boldly, or recognize their own worth, then this experience will have served a greater purpose.

Ultimately, my goal is to remind others that true beauty lies in confidence, kindness, and authenticity. Each person has unique strengths and talents that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Through this platform, I hope to encourage people to step forward, embrace who they are, and realize that they do not need to change themselves to make an impact. With courage, determination, and self-belief, anyone can shine and create positive change in their community and beyond.

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Marsellina Purnawan is the current Ms. New Jersey Petite 2026. You can follow her on Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.