NJ National Teenager

BECAUSE ANTSO GIRLS DO BIG THINGS… DREAM, ACHIEVE, BELIEVE!

(Scroll down for a glimpse into each girls journey)

As we start a new year, it’s refreshing to be able to look back and reflect on the dreams and achievements of the reigning NJ titleholders; Preteen-Cassidy Diamond, Junior-Bryanna Schucker, Senior-Olivia Suarez, Miss-Brittany Shukdinas & Preteen Sweetheart-Ma’Sonia McPherson. They exemplify all that is right with today’s youth! They’re driven, dedicated, and determined to succeed not only in the classroom...but outside of it as well.

They haven’t let the fact that they will crown their successors in a few short months; get in the way of continuing to serve as volunteers in their community. Throughout the year they have enriched many lives, the photos below will give you a glimpse into just why they were chosen to represent the NJ this past year. They are also reminders that you don’t need to be involved with a national organization to do great things...you can do them right in your own back yard!  These exceptional young women serve as daily reminders to me as exactly why it is that I continue to serve as the state director! They’re beyond inspiring!

CASSIDY founded an organization called Charity Chicks; this group of young girls have been getting together once a month in the Ocean City Library to make cards for the troops in the military, bake cookies for the homeless shelter, and make sandwiches for the homeless. Cassidy also participated in the Ensign John Elliott Hero Walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk. The event attracted over 800 participants and raised $100,000 to support the Nations Fastest Growing Drunk Driving Prevention Program.

BRYANNA- In November Bryanna sponsored a book drive through the Stories For Strength Organization which she founded. She collected and delivered over 100 books to the library for the kids at the Harlem Boys & Girls Club. This Christmas found Bryanna and her friends at their annual Christmas Party making candy canes for the kids.

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OLIVIA’S dedication to numerous volunteer organizations speaks volumes about her desire to help those in her community. For the second year in a row, Olivia has collected donations to sponsor wreaths for the annual Gloucester Co. Wreaths of Remembrance Ceremony. She has sponsored drives to collect new and gently used coats as part of  Burlington’s Feel The Warmth Coat Drive. Olivia is also involved with the Glasses for Sight collection drive through the local Lions Club, and sponsors an annual drive to collect flip-flops for soldiers serving in the military. (Scroll to the end of the post for a wonderful heartfelt note from Olivia)

BRITTANY-The Salvation Army Holiday Event in Trenton, NJ where again this year Brittany helped fill the Christmas wish-lists of children and families in need. These lists compiled by the Salvation Army helped make Christmas memorable for over 1200 families in 2011 in Mercer County NJ alone.

Guardians of Freedom is an organization near and dear to Brittanys heart. She founded the organization through a desire to help improve the lives of our men and women serving overseas and also as a way of saying thank you for the dedication and sacrifices they have made. From Bagram to Bahrain "Guardians of Freedom" shipped boxes of love from home to our men and women serving overseas.

MA’SONIA - sponsored a Toy drive for the Kids at the Harlem Boys& Girls Club. Toys and gift cards were collected and personally delivered to the kids during their annual Christmas party. Soni spent the day with the kids and helped distribute gifts.

Olivia Suarez

As the new year approaches and I reflect on 2011, it really was another year of giving!  With our without my crown, I am a continuous volunteer and support many causes and organizations. 

One of my favorite and most moving events is the Wreaths of Remembrance.  I collect donations and help lay over 1,100 wreaths on each veteran’s gravesite each year.  I thank and pray for each veteran for their personal sacrifice to keep our country free.  A few hours in the chilly winter morning is the least I could do for what they have given to all of us.

Gently used or new hats, gloves and scarves were collected for the Angels of God Clothing Closet and coat donations for One Warm Coat organization.  These collections are still continuing.

I was unable to travel to New York for Christmas to visit with the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, but I did send some toy donations and was assured each child received a special gift for the holiday.

Another personal challenge was to fill a huge basket of Thanksgiving food for a family of 6.  With the generous donations of many I was able to provide an overflowing basket along with two turkeys!  What a feast this family could enjoy!

The first ever Gloucester County Spirit of Community awards dinner was a special night.  I am now a four time recipient of the Presidential Gold Volunteer Service award which gives recognition to those who provide hours of community service to others in need.

A collection I started which has become an annual collection is Shower Shoes for Soldiers.  Over 300 flip flops have been sent through the Military Support Group of South Jersey to troops overseas.

In between my homecoming, senior portraits, senior Snow Ball, applying for colleges and all the fun, crazy things senior year has to offer, along with family gatherings, I was able to get into the Christmas spirit riding down Main Street in the annual Pitman and Westville Christmas Parades.  Afterwards, there were photos with Santa and his sleigh and I helped to “flick the switch” to light the town tree and take a horse drawn carriage ride with a few other “crown heads” as other pageant queens are affectionately called, and warmed up with some yummy hot chocolate!

As a former Miss Mantua 2006, I attended the Miss Mantua Pageant in my hometown to see who would be crowned the new Miss Mantua.  I enjoy returning every year to support this local pageant.  This pageant was basically my introduction to pageantry and all the opportunities, scholarships, and services young, accomplished girls can achieve.

As the Christmas season ends and a new year begins, my reign as New Jersey National Teenager will soon come to a close.  I will be making many more appearances and providing services to those in need before I say my final farewell; so until next time, have a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Olivia Suarez

NJ National Teenager 2011