Scholars' pageant now open to California teens

The 28th annual Miss Teenage California Scholarship Competition is seeking young women ages 13 through 19 for its annual state program. The 2007 event will be April 20 through 22 at the Radisson Hotel at Los Angeles Airport.

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship, $5,000 cash, wardrobe, laptop computer, color TV and many other prizes. The four runners-up will win $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000 college scholarships, respectively. An additional $8,000 in college scholarships will also be awarded for a total of more than $42,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Candidates must be single, never married and never a parent, and at least 13 years old as of April 22, 2007 and not more than 19 years old as of Aug. 31, 2007. No prior pageant experience is required.

Unlike most pageants, Miss Teenage California does not have a swimsuit or talent competition. Contestants are judged on their achievements, activities, personality, poise and presence.

"The emphasis is on qualities usually not emphasized in other state pageants," said Frank Lameira, state director. "Many of the young women who have competed in the past are now teachers, lawyers, doctors and in the field of journalism. The pageant promotes education and emphasizes sportsmanship and achievement. We are the oldest state teen pageant in the nation."

For an official application, write to Danfranc Productions, 9046 Molinero Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758 or call (916) 684-4225 or e-mail Danfrancprod@aol.com or visit www.missteenageca.com.