Norwegian Immigration Association, Inc.

Miss Norway of Greater NY 2011 – Crowned in Brooklyn

Jennifer Egeberg of Woodstock, CT was crowned the 56^th Miss Norway of Greater New York. The runner up, or attendant. chosen was Stefani Jensen of Sparta, NJ.  Thus the titles are true to their name with the winning young ladies coming from neighboring states to NY.  

The pageant was held at the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center and is sponsored by the Norwegian Immigration Association, Inc. The judges really had their hands-full having to choose this year from thirteen lovely, poised and bright young ladies.  This pageant is not really like the Miss America type event but rather one which emphasizes Norwegian heritage and culture.

Jennifer Egeberg was born in New York. She attended Gordon College and is currently a student at University of CT at Storrs majoring in early childhood education. Her goal which is one that she has had since she was in elementary school is to become a second grade teacher.  She enjoys children and being able to guide them in learning.

While her parents came from Brooklyn, NY her forebears are from Lindesnes in Norway. Although the Egebergs are an American family the Norwegian language was part of the household and Jennifer became bi-lingual when she was able to teach herself Norwegian in order to know “what was going on”.  Her heritage slipped in easily with the many traditional foods and holidays but also because her family kept close ties to the relatives in Norway.

Stefani Jensen of Sparta, NJ grew up a “sporty girl” interested in all sports but has taken on a new interest while at Messiah College in wanting to help disadvantaged children. Next year she will be majoring in psychology at Liberty College with the goal of helping mistreated children find their way in life.

Stefani’s American roots are in Brooklyn but her Norwegian heritage comes from Kvinesdal and Lillesand, Norway.  The Norwegian heritage seems to somewhat overshadow her one quarter Swedish background and perhaps was “cemented” with a “Norgestur” five years ago when she was able to meet her family “over there.”

Jennifer and Stefani were in the Syttende Mai Parade this year along with the Little Miss Norway(s) and and Junior Cadets.  Miss Norway and her “attendant” will attend various Norwegian American functions in the quad-state area during the reigning year.

Click here for infromation about the 57th Annual Miss Norway of Greater New York.