ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ - Miss. Samantha Grace Jackson, 9, Atlantic Highlands, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss New Jersey Pageant to be held August 23 & 24, 2012 at the beautiful Hilton, East Brunswick, NJ. 

Miss. Samantha Grace Jackson, 9, Atlantic Highlands, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss New Jersey Pageant

The winner of the pageant will receive a $ I ,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California. Pageants are held for girls ages four to eighteen, in five age groups.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented.

The National American Miss pageants are for "Today's Girl" and "Tomorrow's Leaders." The pageant 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, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition, and setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant  seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for the future.

Miss. Jackson’s activities include dancing, acting, singing, modeling, Tai Kwon Do and swimming. She also enjoys girls scouts, softball, waterslides, four-wheeling, spending time with family and she loves animals.

Miss Jackson’s sponsors include Lynxx, LLC (Atlantic Highlands), Spring Lake Freezer (Spring Lake), Linda Frasciello, Lisa Sanders, Corinna Thuss, Henry & Grace Sabini and Karen Jackson.

Families interested in learning more about this unique and outstanding youth program may visit www.namiss.com.