Middletown Young Woman Is Finalist For Miss New Jersey

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Kaitlyn Racioppi, a young woman who grew up in Middletown, is now a finalist in the Miss New Jersey pageant.

Racioppi, 21, will compete for the title of Miss New Jersey USA 2024; the pageant is June 21-23 at the Hilton hotel in Parsippany.

Racioppi is currently enrolled at Montclair State University, where she is a junior. There, she is studying linguistics and hopes to become a speech pathologist. Her activities and hobbies include cooking/baking for her family, dancing, singing and acting and spending time with loved ones. She works as a part-time substitute teacher and a party princess, meaning she dresses like a princess at children's birthday parties.

She grew up in Middletown, "lived here my whole life" and her parents continue to live in Middletown to this day.

"I decided to enter the pageant out of mere curiosity," she shares. "I saw the application in October and I took a chance when I applied. I actually heard back from them on January 30, which is the same day that my Nonna (grandmother) had passed away two years prior, so I took that as a sign that this was meant to be."

"I was interviewed that same day on my way back home from school and I received an email the next day letting me know that I was a finalist in the pageant! I was in shock but so excited."

Racioppi said contestants do not have to showcase any talent to compete. There are three parts to the pageant: the private interview, swimwear and evening gown.

"I just answered the questions honestly and stayed true to my story. I’ve gone through a lot in my life, but I’ve been true to myself and I’ve found ways to remain strong even at the worst of times," she said.

The Miss New Jersey USA and Miss New Jersey Teen USA pageants are the official preliminaries to the Miss USA/Miss Teen USA pageants. Whoever wins Miss New Jersey USA 2024 will go on to represent the state of New Jersey in the 2024 Miss USA pageant.

For those who would like to watch Racioppi compete in the pageant, it will be live-streamed, but the link is not available yet. Also, the public can buy tickets and attend in person, but tickets are not available until May.

There will also be a People’s Choice award at the pageant, and People’s Choice Award winners are guaranteed spots in the semi finals.

"I am beyond grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said the young Middletown woman. "I appreciate any support and encouragement from the community that I am able to get!"