Elena Soleil Palaza, 16, a rising senior at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly and a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Winchester, qualified as a state finalist in the National American Miss Virginia Pageant to be held Aug. 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Reston. The pageant, for girls ages 4 to 24, is divided into six different age divisions.
The newly crowned Miss Virginia Teen, who would represent the state of Virginia for the entire year, will receive the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses and an invitation to compete at the national pageant in Orlando, Fla.
Contestants will compete in four overall categories including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview and Community Service Project. National American Miss also offers optional contests such as the Top Model Search, Talent, Actress and more.
National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in cash and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are age appropriate and family oriented.
The National American Miss Pageant System is the largest in the country. The focus of this organization is to create future leaders and to equip them with real world skills to make their dreams a reality. 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.
Palaza’s activities included founder of Next Chapter Kids non-profit organization, captain of the high school volleyball team and honor student. She also enjoys volunteering at her church and community, cooking, traveling, water sports, photography, fashion, and spending time with friends and family. Palaza’s sponsors included Sharpe Travel, Maryful Memories Design Studio and Tri County Yacht Service.
Find out more
For more info, go to namiss.com.
