Ashley Meisinger Crowned Miss Newton 2006

Newton - Ashley Meisinger, 18, was crowned Miss Newton 2006 on June 9 at the Halsted Street Middle School in Newton. Meisinger, a 2006 graduate of Newton High School, will be attending Monmouth University in the fall with plans to pursue a major in secondary special education, with a minor in psychology, as well as playing on the school’s Division I field hockey team. The Miss Newton Contest was open to female residents of Newton ages 17-21, who exhibited qualities of leadership and achievement. Meisinger was one of seven contestants to vie for the title. As the winner, Meisinger’s duties include representing Newton in everything she does, as well as participating in the town’s events, such as Newton Day. Also, she will represent Newton in the Queen of the Fair Pageant held in August at the New Jersey State Fair in Sussex County. As part of the Miss Newton contest, the entrants were asked questions on which they were judged. Meisinger responded to her first question on why Newton was a good place to live and raise a family by stating her beliefs on the importance of a close-knit community and a great educational system. She also told the judges that the one person she would like to meet would be Oprah Winfrey, because of the charity work Winfrey has done throughout her career in television and in business. Meisinger’s interests extend far beyond pageants and competitions. She is an athlete who participates in a variety of sports, including field hockey, track, and softball. In high school, she was a member of the 4-H Club. She attributes much of her public speaking skills to her experience with the 4H Club. Meisinger also enjoys ‘scrapbooking’ in her spare time. “She’s just a well-rounded kid,” said her mother, Donna Meisinger. When asked what advice she would give other girls interested in entering pageants, Meisinger simply replied, “Don’t be nervous. It’s just so much fun.”