Tolarrio and Jessica White announce that their daughter, Kayla White, age 9, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Virginia Pageant to be held July 30 to Aug. 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Reston.

The National American Miss pageants are held for girls ages 4 to 18 and have five different age divisions. Kayla will be participating in the Junior Pre-Teen age division, along with other young ladies from across Virginia.

Kayla’s activities include karate, cheerleading, dancing, tennis and gymnastics. She also enjoys swimming, playing with friends and family, reading, riding her bike and doing nail designs.

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 in California, where she will receive an exciting complimentary tour of Hollywood and two VIP tickets to Disneyland.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s future leaders and equipping them with lifelong skills. Each year the pageant nationally awards more than $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and other prizes, which includes a new Ford Mustang convertible.

The National American Miss Pageants are unlike any other. All activities and competitions are kept age appropriate. Girls under the age of 12 are not allowed to wear makeup, and there is no swimsuit competition. The 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 put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship and setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for her future.