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.

My Miss America Opportunity Journey

By Leah Culbreth

If there is one thing I have learned through my Miss America Opportunity journey, it is this: dreams are worth chasing, but they often arrive in God’s timing, not our own. 

I have always loved pageants. Growing up, I looked up to the local high school queens in my area and to the women who wore the title of Miss North Carolina. One titleholder who especially inspired me was Kate Peacock Smith. She was from my hometown, and seeing someone from a small town like mine go on to win such a prestigious title made me believe that maybe one day, I could too. 

My own journey started in elementary school. I competed in my school pageant three times, placing first runner-up twice before finally winning the title of Junior Miss Midway on my third try. I loved everything that came with holding a title—the chance to represent my school, my community, and to share the experience with my sister queens. That was the moment I knew I was hooked.

Although I did not compete often after that, my love for pageantry never faded. The next pageant I entered was my high school pageant in 2022. Becoming Miss Midway High School had been a dream of mine for years. I started preparing long before the pageant even existed, buying my interview outfit in July of 2021 before I knew if there would be a competition that year. I took voice lessons, interview lessons, and truly believed I was ready.

When pageant night arrived in March of 2022, I walked in confident that I would leave with a crown. But I did not place at all.

To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. But even disappointment could not take away my love for pageants.

My true Miss America Opportunity journey began in January of 2023 when I made a last-minute decision to compete in the Miss Johnston County/Cleveland pageant as a Teen contestant.

 

Kerrigan Brown had inspired me to compete. Once again, seeing someone from my hometown achieve success reminded me that dreams like this were possible.

There were around twenty teen contestants that year, including Hanley House, who later went on to win Miss North Carolina Teen and Miss America’s Teen. While I did not win that night, I walked away with something more important: a fire inside me to keep going.

The very next month, I entered my hometown pageant, Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn, as a Teen contestant. Winning that title and representing my hometown was all I had ever wanted. I performed much better than I had in the previous pageant, but once again, I did not walk away with a crown.

And strangely enough—I was okay.

Because I trusted that God’s plans were bigger than my disappointment.

That fall, I started college at Campbell University and believed my pageant chapter was over.

But in January of 2024, someone very special to me, Lindsay Creech, reached out and encouraged me to compete again because contestant numbers were low. It was the last day to submit paperwork, and with only two weeks to prepare, I signed up.

This time, I competed for the title I had dreamed of for years: Miss Spivey’s Corner.

My interview went beautifully. I felt confident onstage. Once
again, I just knew I would be crowned.

When awards were announced, my name was called for Evening Gown. I was thrilled. Then moments later, I was named first runner-up.

Although disappointed, I still had peace.

Because if something is meant for you, no setback can stop it.

Once again, I said I was “done” with pageants.

Then January of 2025 came.

I signed up for Miss Spivey’s Corner/Dunn again—this time with my best friend. I competed for Miss Dunn while she competed for Miss Spivey’s Corner. Truthfully, I wanted to support her dream just as much as I cared about my own.

Pageant day came, and while I felt strong in interview and onstage, my name was not called as the winner.

Again.

And surprisingly, I was okay.

Because each loss had taught me confidence, resilience, grace, and trust.

Then came January of 2026.

My best friend and I attended another pageant, and like always, the pageant bug bit us again. We signed up one more time.

This year was different.

I no longer competed with desperation. I competed with gratitude.

I told myself that I would do my best, speak passionately, be confident in who Leah Culbreth is, and most importantly—have fun.

I left interview feeling amazing. After onstage competition, I felt relaxed and proud. For the first time, I knew that no matter what happened, I had already won because I was proud of myself.

Then crowning arrived.

“The new Miss Dunn is… contestant number two, Leah Culbreth!”

I immediately burst into tears.

After years of hoping, praying, losing, learning, and growing, my dream had finally come true. I was going to compete at Miss North Carolina representing my hometown.

And suddenly, every “no” made sense.

Every loss had prepared me for the right yes.

For the past two months as Miss Dunn, life has been nonstop.

 

Between nursing school, friendships, responsibilities, appearances, and preparing for Miss North Carolina, I have stayed busy—but I would not trade it for anything.

I am determined to give Dunn everything I have. I want to be present in my community, serve with purpose, and show people exactly who is representing them on the Miss North Carolina stage. My sister queens have made this experience even sweeter, and I am so grateful for each of them.

If my journey has taught me anything, it is this:

Never give up on a dream that truly matters to you.

There may be delays. There may be disappointment. There may be moments where you feel overlooked or forgotten.

But what is meant for you will come in the right season.

Trust God’s timing. Trust His plan. Keep working. Keep believing. Keep showing up.

Because your time will come too.

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Leah Culbreth is the current Miss Dunn (NC). 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.

From Adversity to Advocacy: My Journey in the Miss North Dakota Organization

By Keira Rambousek

When I look back at the girl I was when I first stepped into the Miss North Dakota Organization, I see someone eager for fun and ready to grow — but entirely unaware of just how much this program would shape her. Today, I stand as a young woman whose personal and professional life has been transformed by this organization. I’ve learned how to speak with confidence, walk in heels, build a network, and share my voice. But the greatest gift has been something more profound: the clarity of knowing exactly who I am and what I stand for.

The Beginning — An 11-Year-Old With Big Dreams

I was just eleven when I started competing. Back then, I was having fun, which looked like hanging out with the other girls, soaking in the sisterhood that the Miss America Organization is so well known for, and performing on stage, something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.

One memory still feels as fresh as the day it happened: the moment after finishing a performance I had practiced for months. The bright stage lights blurred the applauding crowd, and I could hear my mom and sisters whooping with joy. I had a wave of gratitude for being able to do something I loved, surrounded by people who believed in me. That feeling has never left.

Discovering Purpose Through Pain

But my journey wasn’t defined by stages alone. At thirteen, I experienced a loss that many adults have yet to face: the unexpected death of a parent. That grief sent me into a deep depression and marked the beginning of my mental health journey. I felt alone and lost. Eventually, curiosity took over, and I began studying mental health; the more I learned, the more I wanted to fight for hope. Knowledge became my lifeline, and understanding became my first act of healing.

Over time, my pain revealed a purpose. My CSI, Mental Health Matters, grew from those hard years. I became a field advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and, more recently, began my first three-year term as a board member for NAMI North Dakota. My mission became clear: to show others that even our hardest stories can become the reason we serve.

The Power of Service

In the depths of depression, I made a choice: service instead of self. Every volunteer event, every community project, every conversation became a lifeline pulling me up from the trenches.

This purpose is what led me into schools across North Dakota, presenting Ending the Silence, a presentation that shares resources from both AFSP and NAMI. I tell my story not to focus on the pain, but to highlight the hope. My message is simple: It's okay to not be okay, and you are not alone.

The Setback — And the Year That Changed Everything

In 2023, I placed first runner-up for Miss North Dakota’s Teen. It was a huge accomplishment, but also a heartbreak only a runner-up truly understands. You get so close to the crown that you can almost taste it, and when your name isn’t called, it’s easy to spiral from pride into self-doubt. I found myself wondering: What did I do wrong?

That’s when I took a full year off. For the first time since I was eleven, I asked myself who I was without the Miss America crown in my future. If I never competed again, could I still be the person I was trying to become? Did I care about service, mental health, and my community because of a title, or because it was genuinely who I am?

The answer surprised me: yes. Yes, I was still passionate. Yes, I still showed up. Yes, I still grew, volunteered, advocated, and sang, without a sash on my shoulder.

That year changed everything.

The Comeback — Stronger, Steadier, and Completely Myself

The moment I decided to compete again came unexpectedly. I made a last-minute decision to attend Dickinson State University and realized I’d need scholarships. And what better scholarship source than the Miss North Dakota Organization?

But when I returned, something was different. I stood onstage during the crowning with a peace I had never felt before. Crown or not, I knew exactly who I was. I knew I was going to keep singing, volunteering, connecting, and advocating with or without a title.

That congruency — that alignment between who I am onstage and who I am offstage — was a game changer.

The Titleholder I Am Today

Today, I lead with confidence rooted not in perfection but in purpose. My social media presence allows me to share resources and encouragement with people across the country. My volunteer work continues to reinforce the message that my mental health does not define me, and neither does anyone else’s.

Every event, every school visit, every connection proves that service is more powerful than fear and community is more powerful than shame.

Looking Forward — The Vision of Miss North Dakota

When I imagine myself as Miss North Dakota, I feel energized. I see myself traveling the state and country, volunteering at as many events as I can, speaking to young people, and expanding the reach of our program far beyond the pageant world.

My goal is to be a bridge; someone who shows the public that Miss North Dakota is not just a titleholder, but a servant leader. I want to share this message everywhere I go:

Look at me, and look at what I’ve been through.
Wherever you are right now, it gets better. You get stronger.
Whatever tragedy you’re facing is shaping you into someone capable of future storms — and that’s okay.
When we walk together, the world changes.

That is the legacy I hope to leave.

Closing — More Than a Crown

My story is not one of perfection, but of resilience, identity, and heart. I started as an eleven-year-old girl who just wanted to have fun. Today, I’m a young woman who understands the weight and beauty of purpose.

The Miss North Dakota Organization didn’t just give me opportunities; it gave me the toolkit to know who I am. And no matter what lies ahead, I will continue serving, singing, advocating, and standing up for mental health.

Crown or no crown, I know exactly who I am.
And I know exactly where I’m going.

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Keira Rambousek is the current Miss BisMan Power of 100 (ND). You can follow her on her Instagram. 

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.