Miss Taylor Ashlee Turner age 14, daughter of Ronda and Paul Cockerham of Italy, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Texas Pageant to be held Sunday, July 11 and Monday, July 12 at the beautiful Hotel InterContinental in Dallas, Texas. The pageant is held for girls ages 13 through 15.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses along with air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California. Pageants are held for girls ages 4 to 18, 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.

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

The National American Miss pageants are for "Today’s Girls 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 will be 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 Turner’s activities include: Cheerleading, basketball, volleyball, track and NJHS. She also enjoys her church youth group, camping and spending quality time with friends and family.

Miss Turner’s sponsors include: The Uptown Cafe, Ronnie Hyles Custom Homes, Italy Cleaners, Lil’ Dab Embroidery, Victron Energy and family.

National American Miss Texas Pageant:

• When: The pageant finale will be Monday July 12 at 5:00 p.m.
• Where: Hotel InterContinental-Dallas, 15201 Dallas Parkway, Addison, Texas
• Admission: $15

Miss Turner has already met many requirements set forth by the NAMiss pageant and will receive a trophy during the pageant, perhaps even a crown. Good luck and have fun, Taylor!