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Princeton Student Crowned Miss New Jersey

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (AP) — A Princeton University student has captured the Miss New Jersey crown and earned a spot in the Miss America pageant when it to Atlantic City later this year.

The Press of Atlantic City reports 20-year-old Cara McCollum captured the title Saturday night in Ocean City. She was competing as Miss Island Resort.

McCollum will receive an $11,000 scholarship and a place in the Miss America pageant on September 15. Pageant officials say they are handing out about $35,000 total in scholarships overall.

The Arkansas native plans to advocate for youth literacy.

McCollum bested 22 other contestants. Brenna Weick, of Mantua, Gloucester County, was first runner-up.

Last year's winner was Lindsey Petrosh of Egg Harbor City.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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