Watch CBS News

Princeton Student Crowned Miss New Jersey 2013

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A Princeton University student has captured the Miss New Jersey crown and earned a spot in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City later this year.

Twenty-year-old Cara McCollum captured the title Saturday night in Ocean City. She was competing as Miss Island Resort.

McCollum will receive an $11,000 scholarship and a place in the Miss America pageant on September 15. Pageant officials say they are handing out about $35,000 total in scholarships overall.

The Arkansas native plans to advocate for youth literacy.

McCollum bested 22 other contestants. Brenna Weick, of Mantua, Gloucester County, was first runner-up.

Last year's winner was Lindsey Petrosh of Egg Harbor City.

The pageant will be held at the Boadwalk Hotel.

The current Miss America is from New York.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.