Jessica Barney will represent Utah at the national Miss America Pre-Teen Pageant in late November in Tampa, Fla.
The 10-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Barney, Aurora, won the honor at the state pageant where she competed with about 150 young Utahns. She also captured the "Miss Photogenic" honors and was the talent and speech winner.Jessica received the state crown, a banner, a trophy and transportation for herself and one parent to the national pageant.
Girls 8 through 12 were eligible to participate in the state pageant. The pageant emphasizes the importance of family unity, physical fitness, mental alertness and self-confidence. The theme is "Youth, Pride of the Present, Hope of the Future."
The national contest will be at the Hyatt Regency from Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Saturday, Nov. 25, in Tampa.