Seneca High School junior Julia Rankel was chosen among 200 applicants to be a part of the Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2016 Pageant, and she has made it to the final round.
Rankel breaks the mold when it comes to the stereotype of models having nothing but good looks.
She is a well rounded young lady with a multitude of other hobbies, including cheerleading for the high school’s football team, singing and acting in a number of different spotlights.
Rankel has made background appearances on scenes from “Law & Order SVU,” “Manhattan Love Story,” “The Americans” and “The Affair” this year, and a new film due out this spring starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts.
Creativity is a term that coincides with Rankel a lot, and she has a passion for performing.
“In a story, you can be that fairytale princess or astronaut you always dreamed to be thanks to the imaginative minds of scriptwriters and directors. I fell in love with the concept that I can let my daydreams run wild and experience life from many different angles. With acting, the possibilities are endless, and no one tells you to stop dreaming,” Rankel said.
In her spare time, she has also constructed a project called “Teddies and Tiaras” after watching various documentaries about pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses.
Through Teddies and Tiaras, Rankel plans to help establish lasting memories for children in the hospital. Along with the help of her friends and family, they plan to dress as numerous iconic princes and princesses and entertain the children with singing, dancing and various games.
“These kids are basically bedridden and often see nothing but scrubs and test tubes for months at a time. Sometimes teens, myself included, can forget how privileged we are to wake up every day healthy and able to go to school, do sports or clubs, and see our friends. There are kids who don’t have these luxuries but manage to smile and be truly thankful for everyday they get to wake up, see their families and just live,” Rankel said.
The program is still in the early stages as Rankel is corresponding with local hospital administration to set a date for these performances.
With all of this going on as only a junior in high school, Rankel does not have a ton of free time to plan where she will be continuing her education in college.
However, she maintains high aspirations for herself and knows firsthand how much hard work goes into every show and every photo that is taken.
If she is not able to create a career out of her love for singing, acting or modeling, she plans to pursue a path in clinical psychology with a special focus on pediatrics.
She enjoys helping folks realize their potential and utilize their strengths for the benefit of themselves and those around them.
“My message to children and teens is to realize one moment or one situation cannot define you, and that it is possible to take away a positive memory from a negative situation,” Rankel said.
Being as well diversified as she has proven to be has done wonders for her in her pageantry career.
While her looks have helped her with the swimsuit and evening gown aspect of the competition, her knowledge and maturity has helped her excel in the interview stages of the pageant.
Contestants are examined before a panel of judges in which they are asked various questions. Judging criteria for the interview competition is based on poise, confidence and how well each contestant can communicate her ideas, as well as the substance of each answer.
Rankel’s success in pageants has meant a great deal to her, and she is thankful for every experience she has enquired along the way.
Her modeling career has landed her places she never dreamt possible. In 2013, she was given the opportunity to walk for more than 20 international designers at New York Fashion Week.
“Pageants are a great way to be made aware of various issues throughout your state and community and get involved,” Rankel said. “Through pageants, girls are offered terrific opportunities to lend a hand to those who need it most and touch the lives of others in a positive way while inspiring others to do the same.”
The Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2016 pageant is the biggest pageant Rankel has been a part of, so it is no surprise she is thrilled to have been chosen among the finalists.
“To me, becoming a finalist means I’m a step in the right direction,” Rankel said.
“We are so proud of her,” her mother Patti said.
The finalists will compete for the title of Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2016 on Oct. 16–18 at the Hilton in Parsippany.
The young woman chosen as the Teen Miss New Jersey will spend her year as a teen ambassador, making appearances and promoting her platform among other duties while holding the title.
