Miss Montenegro: "Education is the foundation of every success"

At the official pageant for the most beautiful Montenegrin woman, held in Bečići last week, Cetinje native Maša Vukićević was declared Miss Montenegro. In addition to the title, she was also awarded the Miss Photogenic ribbon, and won a scholarship from the University of Montenegro, where she is studying psychology.

Vukićević spoke to "Vijesti" about the reasons why she entered the beauty contest, the selection process, and her future plans.

"I am a psychology student at the University of 'Donja Gorica', and the field I have chosen represents much more to me than just studying - it is a way to better understand people, emotions and interpersonal relationships. I believe that working on myself is the key to everything, and it is this idea that guides me through life," the Miss Montenegro 2026 introduced herself at the beginning of the interview.

"When it comes to modeling, my interest in fashion and aesthetics developed gradually. At first it was curiosity, but over time it grew into a more serious story through which I learned how important discipline, attitude and authenticity are. I see modeling as a form of artistic expression, but also as a space in which self-confidence and personal identity are built," she emphasizes, revealing how the decision to apply for the competition came about.

"My application for the Miss Montenegro competition started completely spontaneously - during a coffee with my parents. Through conversation, they encouraged me to think about the idea and take that step. However, despite their persuasion, what ultimately decided me was my personal desire to step out of my comfort zone, to try something new and create a completely different experience," she explains.

"I believe that it is precisely such decisions, which move us outside the familiar framework, that contribute the most to personal development. Also, I come from a family that fosters work, dedication, and mutual support, and it is precisely these values ​​that further encouraged me to take this step," adds Vukićević.

When asked if she expected to win, she said:

"Honestly, I didn't enter the competition with a clear expectation of winning. My focus was to give my best and stay true to myself at all times. The competition was extremely strong and each girl left a lasting impression in her own way. That's why winning is an even greater honor for me, but also confirmation that authenticity and sincere effort are always recognized."

And after the competition ended and he took the crown from last year's Miss, Andrea Nikolić, Vukićević shared his impressions.

"The impressions are still very intense and are still slowly coming together. There is a sense of pride, but also great gratitude - primarily towards the people who believed in me. My family has a special place in all of this, who have been my greatest support and pillar from the very beginning," she points out.

"Now, when emotions are slowly calming down, I increasingly feel the responsibility that this title carries, but also the excitement for everything that follows," concludes Miss Montenegro, revealing her expectations for the ribbon, as well as how she plans to use it.

"I see this title as an opportunity to talk about the values ​​that I consider important - education, working on oneself, self-confidence, but also a cultivated awareness of who we are and where we come from," she believes.

"I want to use this platform in a way that has a deeper meaning, to be an inspiration to young girls and to show that beauty is not just external, but that it comes from a balance between inner stability and external expression. I also want to carry the values ​​that I brought from my family through everything I do - modesty, respect and perseverance," she continues.

Vukićević also looks back on the Miss Photogenic ribbon, which she received with her victory in the pageant.

"This title is particularly important to me, because it represents confirmation of my relationship with the camera and the way I communicate through photography. I believe that photogenicity is not just a physical characteristic, but the ability to convey emotion, energy and a story," explains the interviewee of "Vijesti".

"For me, it's recognition that I managed to show authenticity through the frame, which is extremely important to me in the world of modeling," says Vukićević, who also says that preparations have already begun for Miss World, the world competition where she will represent Montenegro, the final of which is scheduled for September 5 in Vietnam.

"Preparations for Miss World are already in the planning stages and I am aware that serious and dedicated work awaits me. This includes improving various segments - from physical preparation, through public appearances and communication, to working on projects that have humanitarian and social value," she reveals.

"Although the exact schedule of preparations will be defined soon, I am already approaching everything very responsibly and with a great desire to represent my country worthily," she emphasized.

At the end of the interview, Miss Montenegro also looks back on the UDG scholarship and reveals how she will use it, considering that she is already a student at that university.

"The scholarship has a special value for me because it gives me additional motivation to continue investing in my education. As someone who believes that knowledge is a lasting value, I plan to use it for further education, additional training and developing skills that will be important to me in my future profession. I believe that education is the foundation of every success and that is why I approach it with great dedication," explained Vukićević.