Laney Lee Hoag, 10, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Minnesota Pageant to be held June 26-27 at the beautiful Crowne Plaza, Riverfront in St. Paul. The pageant is held for girls ages 7-10.

Laney is in the fourth grade at Neveln Elementary. She participates in the school choir, safety and peace patrol and has been elected as president of student council for the 2009-10 school year. She also dances at Bridget’s Dance Conservatory. At Bridget’s she is on the competition line, competing with a ballet solo, ballet duet, lyrical and jazz group routines. Hoag’s sponsors include Quality Pork Processors Inc, Schmitt Family Dentistry, Twice is Nice and Family Eye Care Center.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 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 girl’s ages four 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 www.namiss.com.

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 and 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.