Augostina Mallous was crowned Miss New Jersey 2022 inside the Superstar Theater at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City Saturday night.
Mallous, who was second runner-up last year, stood center stage and held hands with Isabelle Nicholas, Miss Shore Resort, as they waited for the winner to be announced. As Nicholas was named first runner-up, Mallous covered her face with both hands as colored confetti rained down on her before being crowned by Alyssa Sullivan, Miss New Jersey 2021.
Mallous, a Hofstra University student, entered this year’s competition as Miss Southern Maritime and was awarded a $19,000 scholarship.
The night began as all 28 contestants introduced themselves during the opening number, which featured Sullivan and her very quick three wardrobe changes. Moments later, the top 10 finalists and People’s Choice were announced before moving on to the onstage question.
The biggest applause from the audience came after Nicholas answered a question about the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. The question posed was whether public opinion should be considered when defending a case, noting that 70 percent of Americans believe some form of abortion should be legal.
“There’s so much evidence that when we ban abortions, we actually don’t get rid of abortions,” she said, adding that if the Supreme Court cared about the health of women they wouldn’t ban abortion.
The talent portion of the competition was next and Mallous shined once again with her dance routine to the song “Fame.” She took home the talent award in the second preliminary night two days earlier.
Before announcing the top five finalists, all 11 walked the stage in the red carpet competition. To round out the night, each of the last five remaining women had to give their social impact pitch and answer two more questions.
During her year as Miss New Jersey, Mallous will promote her initiative on preventing human trafficking.
“Over 70 percent of traffic victims are female,” she told the judges, adding that New Jersey’s proximity to major cities makes the state particularly vulnerable to human trafficking.
Miss Atlantic County Region Brooke Erin Feldman was the fourth runner-up and received a $3,750 scholarship. Third runner-up and recipient of a $5,000 scholarship was Miss Harbor View Grace Herdelin. Second runner-up and winner of a $6,250 scholarship was Miss Cape Shores Molly Marie Pugliese.
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Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Tim on Instagram @photog_hawk.
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