Princeton student crowned Miss New Jersey OCEAN CITY, N.J. 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.