PENSACOLA — Jordan Ann LaBryer is Jacksonville bound.
The 9-year-old Pensacola resident has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Florida Pageant. The event — held for 4- to 18-year-old girls — is set for June 3-5 at Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville.
The newly crowned Miss Jr. Pre-teen Florida will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland's in California. She has the chance to represent Florida for the entire year. She will also tour Hollywood.
Contestants will compete in Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview and Community Service Project categories. National American Miss also offers optional contests such as the Top Model Search, Talent and Actress, among others.
“National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders,” a news release stated. “Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented.”
The organization aims “to create future leaders and to equip them with real-world skills to make their dreams a reality,” the release stated. “The program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an ‘all-American spirit of fun for family and friends.’”
Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence and learning new skills, such as good attitudes about competition, as well as setting and achieving personal goals.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pensacola pre-teen named National American Miss state finalist