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A native of Freehold, Diana Smerina was crowned Miss New Jersey Teen USA on 15 October 2017 and represented New Jersey at the Miss Teen USA 2018 pageant in Shreveport, Louisiana. Diana was a member of the National Young Scholars program and her school’s National Honor Society. Her goal was to continue to college to pursue a career in bio engineering, geared towards helping children with developmental disorders.
Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2018 Diana Smerina, 16, of Freehold New Jersey is a sophomore at Colts Neck High School. Diana entered the Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2018 pageant with no prior experience, never having competed in a pageant. She was looking for a new experience, to challenge herself, and to meet new people. In preparation, she spent months reflecting on her accomplishments and future goals in order to best convey her passions to the judges. She had no idea what the future would hold for her…..the crown!
Diana follows a rigorous honors schedule at Colts Neck High School. She is member of the National Young Scholars program and is looking forward to being inducted in her schools National Honor Society. Diana’s goal is to continue to college to pursue a career in bio engineering, geared towards helping children with developmental disorders.
Diana is a varsity cheerleader who has cheered since the age of 5 on various teams. When she entered high school, Diana decided to give back to the sport that has given her so much and volunteered her time working with a youth cheer team. She helped these girls achieve success at the local, regional and national levels. Diana also is a member of her schools S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) club and participates in her schools Cougars for Cancer Awareness club as well. Diana donates her time to local food drives as well as the Toys for Tots initiative. Knowing the importance of giving back, Diana also tutors in her best subject… math.
In her free time, Diana enjoys reading and spending time with her family and dogs. She is an animal lover and a member of numerous animal rights groups. Diana also believes in animal assisted therapy for special needs children and the positive effects animals can have on these children.
Diana’s motto is “Nothing great ever comes from comfort zones”. This is what inspired her to enter the pageant and continues to push her to be the best Miss New Jersey Teen USA she can be. As your Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2018, Diana promises to encourage as many teenagers as she can to step out of their comfort zones and be their best possible “confidently beautiful” selves. Diana remains humble and gracious for winning this title, please follow her as she looks to make New Jersey proud at the 2018 Miss Teen USA pageant.
The on-stage moments, the tension of the final two and the glory of the crowning, here are Diana’s state pageant photos.
Lights, camera, action! Professional photoshoots are one of the perks that comes from winning a title.
All beautiful things must come to an end, no matter how bittersweet. See Diana’s farewell walk and other candids from the weekend she crowned her successor Ava Tortorici as Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2019.
Winning a state title is a sisterhood for life. Here are Diana’s “after the crown” photos.
