By Cathy Miller
Jordyn Rumsey, 16, a junior at North Warren High School, hails from Blairstown. Looking toward her future, she’s mulling over college and career options. However, when queried about something most people would be surprised to learn about her, she didn’t have to think too long.
Jordyn competed in the Miss New Jersey Teen USA competition in 2019. Come July 2021, she will once more join the cast of competitors, this time at the Parsippany Hilton Hotel, for the latest Miss New Jersey Teen USA pageant.
Since Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe all belong to the same organization, Jordyn enthusiastically explained, ”Miss Teen USA gets to meet and work on press releases with Miss USA.”
Jordyn will prepare for the competition with help from her family and friends, beginning with the submission of a personal background sheet. After the application and acceptance process, contestants receive registration materials and are able to ask questions and receive feedback on everything from wardrobe to paperwork and more, with guidance from the Miss Universe Organization.
She explained the competition consists of three distinct phases. On Friday evening, each young woman stands in front of a panel of judges, who interviews her and expands on her responses.
The preliminaries take place on Saturday and include modeling fitness/active wear and evening gown/formal wear.
Sunday is the last day of the competition, beginning with the announcement of the semifinalists and closing with the finals, and ultimately the crowning of Miss Teen USA.
According to Jordyn, her first competition “was a fun experience. I made a lot of friends, and still stay in touch with many of them.” She added, “Any girl can do it!”
What are Jordyn’s plans after high school? She’s contemplating a couple different directions – teaching or nursing/pharmaceuticals – leaning towards the latter, but she hasn’t made a firm decision yet. Judiciously, she expects to begin her college career at a two-year college.
In the meantime, she works at the iconic Blairstown Diner on Route 94, renowned for its role in the original “Friday the 13th” movie in 1979, and its tasty meals. Check out the autographed hockey mask at the entrance to the eatery!
Hey Cathy, that was a beautiful article of a lovely young lady who seems to have her feet planted firmly on Earth, and her dreams in full bloom. I loved your people of the week article.