Cara Ann Cama, a senior at Albertus Magnus College and a member of the women's cross country team, earned the title of Miss New Haven County 2012, a preliminary to Miss Connecticut of the Miss America Scholarship Program, in the March 10th competition.
Cama, who ran for the Falcons for the first time in the fall of 2011, had been involved in the Miss America organization for the past few years as a volunteer but decided to compete for the first time this year.
"I was very excited to hear Miss Connecticut 2011 Morgan Amarone call my name as the winner!" said Cama. "I immediately began planning events and promoting my platform of Peer Mentoring: Teaching Strategies for Success."
Since her appointment to Miss New Haven County, Cama has spent her time visiting various educational institutions, speaking to children who are at a transition point in their lives about the importance of finding a mentor, setting goals and striving for educational advancement. During her visits, she is also able to educate others about the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program and the National Miss America platform of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Cama, who will be graduating this upcoming May with a degree in Biology and a minor in Communications, joined the Falcons' cross country program prior to the 2011 season.
"My favorite part of each race was getting the team together before we began for a group Falcon chant," said Cama. "I loved encouraging our team and cheering from the sidelines while the men's team ran. Although we had a small team, our members had a lot of spirit and Falcon pride!"
Cama has been involved in many aspects of the Albertus Magnus community as she has served as a Residence Assistant of one of the dorms on campus and is the President of the College's Science Club.
"Being a part of the Albertus Magnus College community has inspired me to achieve new goals of mine," said Cama. "As the recipient of the Sister Patricia Devaney Full Academic Scholarship, I learned the importance of scholarships and it made my educational experience even more valuable.
"As the President of the Science Club, I took on a leadership position that allowed me to promote Albertus in the New Haven community through volunteer service projects and as a Resident Assistant; I learned the importance of peer mentorship and time management. As a member of the cross country team at Albertus, I learned how important it is to encourage others and to push yourself beyond your limits.
"There were so many opportunities provided to me by Albertus Magnus College and I am so grateful and honored that I have been welcomed into the community."
Next up for Cara Ann Cama? The Albertus senior will compete for the Miss Connecticut title at the Garde Arts Center in New London from June 26-30. She also hopes to continue speaking and helping out at events throughout the area and encourages that an email be sent to her at ccama@albertus.edu with any opportunities.
