Cara McCollum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cara McCollum
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| Born | February 6, 1992 Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | February 22, 2016 (aged 24) Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Education | Princeton University, (B.A. English, 2015) Forrest City High School |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Title | Miss New Jersey 2013 Miss Island Resort 2013 |
| Predecessor | Lindsey Petrosh |
| Successor | Cierra Kaler-Jones |
Cara McCollum (born February 6, 1992 – died February 22, 2016) was an American journalist. She was a main news anchor for SNJ Today. Cara also held the title of Miss New Jersey in 2013. She then competed in the Miss America 2014 pageant.
Early Life and School
Cara McCollum grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas. Her parents were Rick and Maureen McCollum. She went to Forrest City High School. Cara was the top student in her graduating class. This means she was the "valedictorian." She was also recognized as an academic star in 2010.
In 2010, Cara started college at Princeton University. During her first year, she was part of the cheerleading team. She studied journalism with famous writers and teachers. Cara was also a member of a sorority called Kappa Alpha Theta. She earned her degree in English in June 2015. She took some time off from college to serve as Miss New Jersey.
Becoming Miss New Jersey
In early 2013, Cara McCollum won the Miss Island Resort pageant. This win allowed her to enter the Miss New Jersey 2013 competition. In June 2013, she won the title of Miss New Jersey. Her special project was "Giving the Gift of Reading."
Cara wanted to help young children learn to read. She started a group called "The Birthday Book Project." This group gave gift-wrapped books to kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. These books were for their birthdays. Cara was also a talented piano player. She performed a song called “Whitewater Chopped Sticks.”
In September 2013, Cara represented New Jersey in the Miss America 2014 pageant. During a parade, she wore a mermaid costume. It had flippers and a net banner. The banner honored people affected by Hurricane Sandy. It read “Washed Ashore and Stronger than the Storm.”
During her year as Miss New Jersey, Cara received several honors. The New Jersey Library Association named her Champion of the Year. She was also recognized for her work promoting reading. Her non-profit group, The Birthday Book Project, was even featured in an article.
Her Passing
On February 15, 2016, Cara McCollum was in a car accident. She was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Cara passed away on February 22, 2016. This was sixteen days after her 24th birthday.
A funeral was held in her hometown of Forrest City, Arkansas. A memorial service also took place in Ocean City, New Jersey. Cara's family shared that she had decided to donate her organs. This kind act helped others in need.
See also
In Spanish: Cara McCollum para niños
