New Egypt resident crowned Jr. Miss N.J.

PLUMSTED — New Egypt Middle School seventh-grader Ciara Nicole Phares, 13, was crowned Jr. Miss New Jersey USA 2009-10 at the East Coast USA New Jersey Open State Pageant held Oct. 18 at the Hilton in East Brunswick.

The pageant is open to girls and women of all ages. Contestants walked the stage in evening gowns and were scored by professional judges on facial beauty, stage presence and overall appeal.

Ciara received a crown, satin banner, trophy, gift and competition fees paid in full to the 2010 East Coast USA National Finals to be held Aug. 13-15 in Baltimore, Md.

Ciara moved to New Jersey in 2000 from California. An honor roll student, Ciara plans to attend Rutgers University and become a veterinarian while pursuing an acting and modeling career. She hopes to own her own veterinary clinic one day.

A graduate of the Barbizon School of Modeling in Red Bank, Ciara attributes winning her first pageant to the training she received from her coach, Ambika Ragbir of Barbizon.

During her reign, Ciara plans to raise awareness to help find a cure for diabetes and to help children affected with disabilities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).