Rutgers beauty wins Miss Norway of Greater New York title
A young woman who was born on the day the Winter Olympics began in Lillehammer in 1994 has been crowned as Miss Norway of Greater New York 2015.
Lauren Benson, 21, a junior at Rutgers University, wowed the judges with her beauty and poise as well as her charitable endeavors. The contest took place at the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center at 1250 67th St. in Dyker Heights on March 28.
Sponsored by the Norwegian Immigration Association, the Miss Norway contest celebrated its 60th Anniversary this year. The contest is designed to highlight the beauty, accomplishments and Norwegian heritage of young women, organizers said. Young women between the ages of 16 and 24 with Norwegian ancestry are eligible.
Benson beat out 11 other contestants for Miss Norway and won the grand prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to Norway this summer. She cried tears of joy when Contest Co-Chairman Arlene Rutuelo announced her as the winner. Jillian McDonald, Miss Norway of Greater New York for 2014, placed the crown on Benson’s head.