Miss New Jersey: Together We Can Make a Difference

Cianna Winkler, a Verona teenager who was crowned Miss New Jersey Junior High School this August, has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

But the H.B. Whitehorne 8th grader is more focussed on those in need.

Winkler volunteers in a variety of community service efforts; she was a walker in the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Walk; helped collect 800 pairs of shoes for her church’s “Soles for Jesus” campaign; delivers food to the needy on Sundays; raised funds at school for the American Heart Association; has launched a coat drive for the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair; and is working to help homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  

In her role as Miss New Jersey Junior High School, Winkler will also commit her energies to the pageant’s campaign to prevent bullying by tending a booth in December at the Verona “Fair in the Square” where she will ask young people to sign anti-bullying pledges, and seek donations to purchase an anti-bullying book, “Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying”, for local public libraries. 

Winkler was honored recently by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

She told the board she learned the importance of community service as a little girl from her family and through the Girl Scouts and her church, and explained that in pageantry, she found “wonderful opportunities to do wonderful things for others” as well.  

“My passion is for helping the homeless and people who need a little help”, she said, explaining how upsetting it was to learn that the average homeless person is only 9 years old. “I will hold several ‘cardboard city’ events to increase teen awareness of homelessness, and I ask for your support because together, maybe we can make a difference.”

The commendation for Winkler was sponsored and presented by District 4 Freeholder Leonard Luciano of West Caldwell, who represents her hometown on the freeholder board.

“To say the least,” said Luciano, “you are an extraordinary young lady.”

“I am so impressed by your volunteerism and your concern for others, and I want you to know that my freeholder colleagues and I are very proud of you.”  

He wished her luck in her quest for the national Miss Junior High School America crown saying, “You are an outstanding representative of our state and, frankly, I think the judges would be crazy to give the title to anyone but you!”

Winkler won her crown at a pageant sponsored by the Miss High School America pageant system for girls in grades 7 through 9. The pageant was held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this past August, and included interview, fun fashion and evening gown portions.  

By capturing her crown, she earned the right to represent New Jersey when she competes for the Miss Junior High School America title next July in Orlando, Florida.