2014 Miss Norway is crowned

April 15, 2014 Editorial Staff
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After an intense competition on Saturday, April 12, Jillian McDonald was crowned Miss Norway, at the 59th Annual Miss Norway of Greater New York competition held in The Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center in Dyker Heights.

In winning the crown, McDonald beat out the other contestants: Skylar Davenport, Jennifer Johansen, Julia Miller, Kierstyn Power and Nadine Snyder, the runner-up.

Originally, there were six contestants but one of the contestants left the competition for personal reasons. The contestants for this year’s Miss Norway were

“It was a hard decision between the girls because they were so accomplished; their resumes were amazing,” said Rutuelo. “It’s not about looks; it’s the presentation and future goals.”

“What made her stand out was her natural quiet poise,” Arlene Rutuelo, co-chair of The Miss Norway of Greater New York Committee, said of McDonald. Rutuelo added that McDonald stood out because of her knowledge of Norway, her family ties in Norway and her desire to know more about her culture.

This year’s judges consisted of non-Norwegians and Norwegians alike. The judges were Pastor Maragareth Glad of Norwegian Seaman’s Church; Senior Vice President of DNB Bank ASA Kjell Tore Egge; John Quaglione, deputy chief of staff for State Senator Marty Golden; Former Commissioner of New York City Department of Records Brian Andersson; and President of Faerder Lodge in Brooklyn Lois Berseth.

The Miss Norway contest, which is sponsored by The Norwegian Immigration Association Inc., is not based on looks. “Each girl is told, ‘You’re not there to win, but to impress the judges,’” Rutuelo said.

The winner receives a “boatload of prizes” including a trip to Norway.

The little ones were in on the actions as well, participating in the parade of Little Miss Norway and Junior Cadets. The young participants also received crowns. “We try to foster the love for the heritage,” said Rutuelo. “So we make them all winners every year.”

Nineteen-year-old McDonald said she plans on going to Norway in late July. It [winning] hasn’t really sunken in yet. But I feel amazing though. It’s always been a dream of mine, she said. It means everything to me. I’m very close to my cousins over in Norway, so besides bringing honor to the family, it’s just bringing this culture to others.

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