Mackenzie Van Den Bogart Mackenzie Van Den Bogart of Cream Ridge was crowned Miss New Jersey Jr. National Teenager on April 27. The pageant was held at the Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City, from April 25-27.
Phases of competition included an interview, school activities, community service, embellished-jeans project, an on-stage question and evening gown.
Mackenzie, 15, attends Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. She is the daughter of Joe and Cindy Van Den Bogart.
In addition to winning the overall title, Mackenzie received the community service award for the many hours she devotes to community service projects, particularly her work with the Smile Train.
This organization provides surgeries to children in underdeveloped countries who were born with a cleft lip and/or palate.
To date, Mackenzie has raised funds for more than 28 life-changing surgeries, according to the press release.
She also developed a website and a Facebook page — Mackenzie Makes A Difference — where she spotlights ways people can get involved in their own community. She shares her experiences from events she organizes and attends.
As for other pursuits, Mackenzie is a softball pitcher and a fan of auto racing at New Egypt Speedway.
On May 10, Mackenzie will be in downtown New Egypt for New Egypt Day. She will have a table set up from 1-4 p.m. where participants can decorate their own homemade cookie for $1. All proceeds will benefit the Smile Train.
Mackenzie will represent New Jersey when she travels to Nashville from July 22- 28 to compete for the national title.
America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization was founded in 1970 upon the principles of celebrating a young woman’s smarts and compassion, according to the press release. Winners will walk away with more than $40,000 in scholarships for college, along with other prizes.