Photos by Donald B Kravitz
Cara Mund, Miss America 2018 was a judge at the “International United Miss Pageant” which is a scholarship pageant that aims to celebrate girls and women alike for their amazing accomplishments. Hosted at Seaview Resort- A Dolce Hotel, South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey from July 12th – 19th.
Returning to the area where she was crowned Miss America, 2018 (Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City) brought back pleasant memories to her and a chance for me to once again spend some time with a wonderful young accomplished lady.
Mund, has been very busy making a myriad of appearances since she placed the crown on Nia Franklin, Miss America 2019. “I have been making many personal appearances and have tried to be available as much as possible before I enter Georgetown Law School in Washington DC”.
Cara Mund who is a graduate of Brown University has been debating, “If I wanted to go into Entertainment Law or Employment Law and I think I have decided to go into the latter,” she said with a smile.
Many of the conversations Mund and I had during her reign as Miss America always included her desire to be “The first woman Governor of North Dakota.” She not only expressed that to me but she included it in every talk and interaction she had with the school children in the area. However, something new has been added as she “Is thinking of maybe running for the House Of Representatives as the North Dakota Representative to congress”.
It was easy to see that the continual requests from the guests and pageant people for photographs, selfies and autographs Cara Mund, Miss America 2018 was still at ease with the title. With a warm and endless smile she posed for photographs and answered questions accommodating every fan request.
“I am very happy where my life has taken me and the direction I am going. I am looking forward to going back to school this August and furthering my aspirations”. She is not sure exactly where she will be four years from now, “But wherever I am or whatever I am doing I am ready to accept the challenge and give it my all.”
It was not possible to be with Mund and not ask the inevitable question regarding her thoughts about the current status of the Miss America Organization and upcoming Miss America Competition. “The Miss America Pageant has a long and wonderful history. It has always been a rewarding constant that showcased throughout the country the intellect and abilities of women. The Miss America Pageant was the largest provider of scholarships to women in the country, it would be a shame to lose that history and scholarship opportunity. Right now I am hoping for the best.”
Spending time with Cara Mund once again was refreshing. She is just as exuberant and enthusiastic as she always was and is always herself. Intelligent, funny and accommodating, Mund keeps you at ease and makes you feel involved. I am glad we had the opportunity to extend our friendship and I am sure we will be hearing much more from Cara Mund, Miss America 2018.
Donald B. Kravitz is an Entertainment & Special Events photographer for national publications including Getty Images & Miss America
