Cara McCollum (2010)

Miss New Jersey 2013; Miss America Contestant in 2014; news anchor

What is Cara McCollum (2010) known for?

Cara McCollum, born on February 6, 1992, in Forrest City, Arkansas, was a prominent American journalist and the proud title holder of Miss New Jersey 2013. She wore many hats in her short but fulfilling life, excelling in academics as the valedictorian at Forrest City High School and later graduating from Princeton University with a B.A. in English in 2015.

During her time at Princeton University, McCollum explored her interests in journalism as a student under notable journalists like John McPhee, Evan Thomas, and Alma Guillermoprieto. Apart from her academic pursuits, she also left her mark as a member of the cheerleading squad and the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta.

McCollum's journey in pageantry began with her victory in the Miss Island Resort competition in 2013, paving the way to her participation in the Miss New Jersey 2013 competition, which she won later that year. Her reign as Miss New Jersey was built on the platform of promoting youth literacy through her non-profit organization The Birthday Book Project, which brought the joy of reading to underprivileged children.

Her commitment to youth literacy did not go unnoticed as she was named New Jersey Library Association Champion of the Year and a Daily Points of Light Winner. Her impactful work was also highlighted in an article published by the CEO of Points of Light in The Huffington Post.

McCollum's other talents extended to music, despite a rare bone growth immobilizing one of her fingers, she demonstrated advanced piano skills and performed distinguished pieces like Calvin Jones's rendition of "Whitewater Chopped Sticks."

She continued to shine in the spotlight as she represented her state in the Miss America 2014 pageant. Her triumphant journey as Miss New Jersey ended on a high note, leaving a remarkable legacy behind.

After her reign as Miss New Jersey, she made her way into the realm of broadcast journalism as the lead news anchor for SNJ Today in July 2015.

Tragically, McCollum's life came to an abrupt end at the age of 24 in a car accident in 2016. She left a legacy behind, remembered for her charisma, charm, and the significant contributions to her community. A memorial service was held in her honor both in her hometown, Forrest City, Arkansas, and Ocean City, New Jersey. Her organs were donated following her death, a testament to her lifelong commitment to serving and helping others.

Find out more about her life and accomplishments at her Wikipedia page and learn more about her birthplace, Forrest City, Arkansas here.