Katharyn Nicolle
Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen 2008
Miss New Jersey 2011
Why did you begin to compete in pageants?
I started competing in pageants merely because I wanted another chance to perform. I have been a dancer for most of my life and I jumped at every opportunity to be on stage. From my very first pageant I was hooked, not only to the talent portion but to the other categories as well. I also watched Miss America every year and I always knew given the chance I would be thrilled to compete for that title one day.
Why did you decide to crossover from competing in the "Teen" division to the "Miss" division?
I remember after competing for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and meeting Miss America in Orlando, I did not want to stop competing until I was standing on the Miss America stage. At that point, the Miss America Organization and the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation had become a huge part of my life, a part I would not have been able to give up easily.
Tell us about your platform, "Reading for the Right Reasons"?
I created my platform to convince children that reading is fun and to encourage them to read often. The more children read, especially for leisure, the higher their literacy level is. Literacy is a foundation of modern education and therefore vital to the educational success of most students. As a title holder I spoke to many students at elementary, middle, and high schools as well as community organizations and literacy groups about the importance of literacy. I also have been conducting a book drive for the last 4 years. The books come from individuals, schools, and I was also able to obtain corporate sponsorship from Five Below. I then take these books to students and children who do not have easy access to literature. Each child is able to pick out a book within their interests and take it home.
How long have you been dancing for and how did you start?
I have been dancing for 19 years. My parents allowed me to try out many different activities when I was little. I participated in dance as well as sports until I was in middle school at which point I had to choose between dance and soccer. I loved to dance and perform and wouldn’t dream of giving it up. I took classes for many different types of dance but classical ballet and pointe was always my favorite.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss New Jersey?
In general my favorite thing to do was events with my two Miracle Children at Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Events. I had the pleasure and honor of sharing my year with two lively, fun, unique, and sweet girls and their families. They were both a constant inspiration to me and always made me go home feeling so good. My single most memorable moment, however, had to be receiving a signed copy of my favorite book, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. It had a personalized message in it wishing me luck at Miss America. I received the book in the mail right before I went into my Miss America interview and I cannot think of better timing.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss New Jersey ended?
I am actually writing you from Bologna, Italy where I am studying abroad for a semester. I have been here for three weeks so far and am enjoying myself immensely. This is my first time traveling to Europe and I am planning on taking full advantage of this awesome opportunity. I have applied to study and intern in Washington D.C. this coming spring semester and if my plans work out that is where I will be spending the remainder of my junior year of college. Next year I will be returning to the Dickinson College campus to finish my degree in International Studies and Security Studies.
I started competing in pageants merely because I wanted another chance to perform. I have been a dancer for most of my life and I jumped at every opportunity to be on stage. From my very first pageant I was hooked, not only to the talent portion but to the other categories as well. I also watched Miss America every year and I always knew given the chance I would be thrilled to compete for that title one day.
Why did you decide to crossover from competing in the "Teen" division to the "Miss" division?
I remember after competing for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and meeting Miss America in Orlando, I did not want to stop competing until I was standing on the Miss America stage. At that point, the Miss America Organization and the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation had become a huge part of my life, a part I would not have been able to give up easily.
Tell us about your platform, "Reading for the Right Reasons"?
I created my platform to convince children that reading is fun and to encourage them to read often. The more children read, especially for leisure, the higher their literacy level is. Literacy is a foundation of modern education and therefore vital to the educational success of most students. As a title holder I spoke to many students at elementary, middle, and high schools as well as community organizations and literacy groups about the importance of literacy. I also have been conducting a book drive for the last 4 years. The books come from individuals, schools, and I was also able to obtain corporate sponsorship from Five Below. I then take these books to students and children who do not have easy access to literature. Each child is able to pick out a book within their interests and take it home.
How long have you been dancing for and how did you start?
I have been dancing for 19 years. My parents allowed me to try out many different activities when I was little. I participated in dance as well as sports until I was in middle school at which point I had to choose between dance and soccer. I loved to dance and perform and wouldn’t dream of giving it up. I took classes for many different types of dance but classical ballet and pointe was always my favorite.
What would be your most memorable moment as Miss New Jersey?
In general my favorite thing to do was events with my two Miracle Children at Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Events. I had the pleasure and honor of sharing my year with two lively, fun, unique, and sweet girls and their families. They were both a constant inspiration to me and always made me go home feeling so good. My single most memorable moment, however, had to be receiving a signed copy of my favorite book, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. It had a personalized message in it wishing me luck at Miss America. I received the book in the mail right before I went into my Miss America interview and I cannot think of better timing.
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss New Jersey ended?
I am actually writing you from Bologna, Italy where I am studying abroad for a semester. I have been here for three weeks so far and am enjoying myself immensely. This is my first time traveling to Europe and I am planning on taking full advantage of this awesome opportunity. I have applied to study and intern in Washington D.C. this coming spring semester and if my plans work out that is where I will be spending the remainder of my junior year of college. Next year I will be returning to the Dickinson College campus to finish my degree in International Studies and Security Studies.