NEW JERSEY – A 17-year-old Jersey Shore resident is preparing to compete as a finalist in the Miss Teen New Jersey pageant while using the opportunity to promote mental health awareness and youth confidence.
Paula Moudatsos, a cosmetology student, is among the contestants selected for the statewide competition. She is also building a beauty business while balancing school and several jobs.
Moudatsos said her interest in the beauty industry is centered on helping people feel more confident, rather than focusing solely on physical appearance.
She also plans to use her participation in the pageant to advocate for mental health awareness. Her platform encourages people to speak openly about mental health, seek help when needed and challenge the stigma that can prevent those conversations.
Moudatsos said she hopes her message will promote resilience, kindness, self-worth and confidence, particularly among young people.
As part of the competition, Moudatsos is seeking the People’s Choice Award, which would guarantee her a place among the pageant’s finalists. Voting costs $1 per vote and remains open through Saturday, July 25.
Moudatsos is listed as Contestant No. 27.
Voting information is available at missnewjerseyusa.com/product/27-paula-moudatsos/.
