Miss New Jersey USA Contestant Advocates for Mental Health Awareness

Cameron Leary Represents Sussex County in Miss New Jersey USA Pageant
Cameron Leary, a 2020 graduate of Sparta High School, is representing Sussex County in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant, which is taking place from Thursday through Sunday at the Hilton in Parsippany. As one of 127 contestants from throughout the state, Leary hopes to use the platform to bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health.
Leary was selected to compete in the state pageant after completing a selective application and interview process. She has always been a fan of Miss USA and has dreamt of competing one day. The annual event aims to empower women to elevate their voices on important issues, and according to the Miss New Jersey USA website, pageant officials are looking for diverse young women who are not only beautiful but intelligent and willing to share their hearts and minds as ambassadors to the state and nation.
Empowering Women to Elevate Their Voices on Important Issues
Leary hopes to inspire others to prioritize their mental wellness and to understand that there is hope and support for those struggling. She has created a blog called “The Happy Hour” where she shares her experiences of struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and provides tips and resources for self-care.
“I started a blog to document the things that would have helped me while I was going through a really hard time. I share self-help techniques and mental health awareness,” Leary said. “I think there’s a lot of stigma around going to therapy, but it’s helpful even if you’re not struggling. I’m a big advocate for getting help for yourself.”
The Happy Hour: A Blog on Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care
Recently, Leary’s blog was acquired by Lakeland Bank and is being sent out as a monthly newsletter. As a state finalist in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant, she plans to use her platform to bring even greater awareness of mental health’s importance. She will continue using her blog and social media platforms to share her message and provide support to those in need.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is taking place online until 11:59 p.m. Saturday. The recipient of this award is guaranteed a spot in the Miss New Jersey USA semifinals. Leary hopes to win the award and further spread her message of mental health awareness.