Gearing up for summer pageants...first stop - IOWA..while one IA state finalist makes headlines!

It has been busy around Maples' NAM HQ(headquarters). We have been touring all across the country with our awesome open calls and pageant prep training sessions....and were about to gear up for our FIRST PAGEANT of the YEAR! While many other state pageants are already taking place(memorial day marks the first pageants of the summer), the Maples' first pageant of the year will be Iowa...and its only 3 weeks away! I can not WAIT to see all of you Iowa girls again this year...and meet many of you for the first time!! Anyways, while you are in for the experience of a lifetime at your state pageant...wanted to share the following article I found featuring one of this year's National American Miss state finalist. You all received a press release in your packet #1...I encourage all of you to send it to your news stations, radio stations, and newspapers....and just like Jenny Jones, you could be featured in the news for YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS of being selected as an OFFICIAL NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS STATE FINALIST!!

Lone Tree sophomore to compete in state pageant

Lone Tree sophomore to compete in state pageant

LONE TREE -- Jenny Jones was in a pageant when she was a baby, but the stakes might be a tad higher next month.

LONE TREE --Jenny Jones ( photographed on left) was in a pageant when she was a baby, but the stakes might be a tad higher next month.

The Lone Tree High sophomore will compete in the Iowa junior teen finals of the National American Miss Pageant from June 26 to 27 in Grinnell.

"I've (been nominated) every year, and I never thought about doing it," said Jones, 16.

She decided to follow through on the nomination this year and was named a finalist in the state portion of a national competition that is dedicated to "celebrating America's future leaders, and equipping them with life-long skills," according to a news release.

If she wins the state contest, she will receive $1,000 cash, the official crown and banner, a trophy and the chance to compete in the national contest Nov. 24 to 29 in Anaheim, Calif., which will include a tour of Hollywood and tickets to Disneyland. The national winner receives a scholarship and a new Ford Mustang convertible.

To qualify for the state contest, Jones had to submit a list of activities and community service she had completed. It was a lengthy list for her, including the Family Career and Community Leaders of America, principal's cabinet, student council, the school's dance team and National Dance Academy, as well as playing tenor and alto saxophone for the Lone Tree High band, jazz band and marching band. She also is a member of the school's volleyball, basketball, track, soccer and softball teams.

She had to find sponsors to cover her participation and travel costs for the competition, she said.

Jones said she will enter four photos in the photogenic actress category. She also said she plans to perform "Showoff" from "The Drowsy Chaperone" and a lyrical dance for the talent portion of the state pageant.

"I love to dance and I love to sing, and I saw that was an option," Jones said.

She said she did not know much about her chances of winning the state contest or moving on to the national show. She said she did intend to have fun with the competition.

"If I enjoy it this year, I might do it again in the future," Jones said.