MISS CONNECTICUT USA 2008
Jacqueline Honulik
Age: 21
Hometown: Fairfield

Are you currently involved in any educational studies?
I am a senior at the University of Scranton, majoring in Political Science.
   
What are your future educational goals?
I hope to meld my love for politics and communications by getting my masters in broadcast journalism.  I also hope to get my law degree as well.

What is your career ambition?
I’d like to be a political correspondent for a major news network.

Extracurricular activities?
I am the secretary of Circle K at the University of Scranton, a member of the Pre-Law society, and the Liva Arts Association, Habitat for Humanity, College Republicans, have dabbled in Model UN, as well as having involved myself in local student government activities for the University.  I am also a member of Residence Hall Council.

Have you been involved in any community service work?
Along with Circle K, I run a major fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, I volunteer with the local ARC, and participate in community activities.  I developed my love for volunteer work while a student at Fairfield High School, where I was both Student Government president and an active member of my high school’s Key Club organization. 

Awards/recognition:
I have been named to the National Dean’s List.

What are your hobbies?  
 I have been dancing since the age of three, and am  passionate about ballet, having been able to dance with members of the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater, as well as the school of American Ballet.  I was also a member of a touring Ukrainian dance troupe. I am an avid golfer, and enjoy acting, politics, and just spending a day in Manhattan museums looking at great pieces of art

Do you have any siblings?:  
I am an only child.

How did you feel about being an only child when you were younger? What qualities do you feel it brought to your personality, and your life? In all honesty, I never felt that being an only child made me any different than anyone else, or more unique for that matter.  When I was younger it allotted me more time to spend with my parents and grandparents.  Growing up I did miss getting advice from an older brother or sister, but for whatever I lacked in a biological family, I made up for with my friends.   My home was always a warm and happy place, and being the only child allowed me to become closer to my parents.   

Interesting facts about you or your family:
I was born two months premature, and at birth weighed 2lbs 14 oz.  I am lucky to be alive, and take each day of my life as a complete blessing.  Also, my father is a police officer with the Greenwich Police Department, and his dedication to the department and his career has been my inspiration to always strive for greatness.  My mother is a cancer survivor, and is the strongest person I know.

Unique/interesting experiences you’ve had:
While in elementary school I was able to design an ornament to hang on a White House Christmas tree.  Along with a few other classmates I was invited to the White House for a tour.  I feel that this experience jump started my love of politics. 

Who are your role models?
My mother for her strength and her inner beauty, my grandmother for her intellect, and my grandfather, a firefighter, and a true American hero.  I idolize Nancy Grace – a former prosecutor who believes in defending what is right, and never backs down from her point of view, and also admire Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court.

In what way are you a role model? 
I am a role model in that I never give into peer pressure, or succumb to becoming a follower.

What is your favorite way to spend a day?
I am a huge baseball fan!  My favorite team is the New York Mets.  My ideal day would be a double-header game, spent at the stadium with family and friends. 

Why did you enter the pageant?
I entered the pageant as a means of enriching my life experience, and to build my poise and character, tools necessary for the occupation I hope to have in the future.

What was your first thought when you heard your name called as the new Miss Connecticut USA?  I
was so ecstatic; no words could possibly describe what I was feeling.  I feel like time stood still and I was in some type of time-warp.  I remember looking out at the audience and seeing my parents jumping up and down. When the crown was placed on my head, the reality of the situation finally set in! 

What are your hopes for the coming year?
I am beyond thrilled for the year to come.  I hope to work with police and fire departments, do work for events promoting cancer research and prevention, and work with organizations like the March of Dimes that promote prenatal health and education.  I am so excited to be a role-model as well as to make Connecticut proud at Miss USA 2008.

As Miss Connecticut USA 2008, Honulik will spend her reign as a goodwill ambassador throughout the state, speaking to various groups and organizations to raise the awareness of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, which is the official cause of the National MISS USA Organization. She will also continue volunteering her time to assist community organizations and charities to raise awareness and funds for their causes. The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal partnership

For bookings, interviews or additional information about Miss Connecticut USA, please email at Laura@crownproductions.us or call at 302-221-5587.