RCBC Student To Compete In Miss NJ Pageant This Weekend

A Rowan College at Burlington County student will compete for the title of Miss New Jersey in June. Julianna Rankel, of Tabernacle, will compete in the pageant this weekend in Atlantic City.

Rankel bested seven other women from Burlington, Atlantic, Cape May and Gloucester counties to win the Miss Columbus Day crown in November in Atlantic City, according to The Tabernacle Sun.

Her social impact initiative, R.E.A.C.H. Out, strives to promote education and advocacy for children’s mental health, according to the college. She has been competing on the pageant circuit for several years, but she is making her first run at Miss America this year.

She is enrolled in the college’s 3+1 program for psychology, is a dean’s list student and works full time as a Clinical Assistant at Bancroft. She has also modeled during New York’s Fashion Week.

“Each and every professor and professional makes it their personal mission to see their students succeed academically as well as in their careers,” Rankel said. “The relationships that staff members and students create throughout each semester continues to amaze me as I continue my academic career here.”

Rankel has been involved with Rowan College at Burlington County’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, which continues to teach her various skill sets for maximizing her leadership potential. She said being a part of the Miss America Organization has also helped her develop into a leader in her community.

“I grew up watching the Miss America pageant each year. The impact these women can have on their communities is immeasurable and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of,” Rankel said. “While I have a voice, the MAO provides me with a microphone to share the message of mental health awareness and acceptance across vast demographics and potentially help change someone’s life.

“The biggest motivator for me is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s up to you to decide how to spend it.”

Miss New Jersey 2019 takes place at Resorts Atlantic City from June 12-15. The winner competes in the Miss America pageant in the fall. To purchase tickets and for more on this year’s pageant, visit missnj.org.