Alumna dedicates Miss Oshkosh reign to cancer awareness

By Natalie Johnson

A thyroid cancer survivor, Pawlowicz knows first-hand the importance of cancer awareness.

“I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer three years ago. And while it is one of the scariest things a person can go through, I have been able to grow from the experience,” she said. “I became very active with the American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations. I understand just how vital these organizations are to a patient’s survival and sanity.”

Pawlowicz doubled majored in communication and journalism at UW Oshkosh. She works at 44 Degrees North Advertising and Encore Event Planning.

Her volunteer activities include working with Relay for Life and helping raise more than $6,000 for various cancer support organizations.

“I have been blessed to hear praise from others for sharing my story and hugs from those who are in the battle and appreciated some much-needed reassurance,” she said. “I was an advocate for these organizations before the crown and will continue to be long after my reign. What is so great about the Miss America Organization is that it gives women a chance to open lines of communication for their platform.”

Four years ago, when Pawlowicz first got involved with the Miss Oshkosh pageant, singing was her talent.

“But after my first year, I had surgery to remove my thyroid and knew that would not be my best option anymore. Since my first year, I have been dancing, typically jazz routines,” she said.

In her first year, Pawlowicz did not place in the pageant but still received a $350 scholarship. In subsequent years, she placed higher and higher, culminating in her recent win.

“Each year, I came back knowing I had what it takes but that sometimes you have to work a bit harder, reevaluate and hope that the judges see your potential,” she said.

Now, Pawlowicz is working out and brushing up on her current events in preparation for the Miss Wisconsin pageant June 17–19 at the Alberta Kimball Auditorium in Oshkosh.

Her experience with pageants has taught her to keep following her dreams.

“Some people may not understand your dreams, and some people may not even support them. But at the end of the day, you realize that those who truly love you will be there for you, and you will be proud of yourself for all that you have achieved,” she said.

Other recent Miss Oshkosh winners from UWO:

2009    Chelsea Hammett, UWO sophomore.
2008    Tosha Herrman ’09.
2007    Desiree Geffers, UWO senior.
2006    Janelle Larie ’10.
2005    Jantira Thomas ’07.
2004    Jenna (Poeschl) Erdman ’07.