Kayla White, daughter of Tolarrio and Jessica White of Suffolk, has been chosen as a state finalist in the Pre-Teen division of the National American Miss Virginia Pageant, to be held July 28-30 in Reston.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, along with a prize package that will include air transportation to compete in the national pageant in California.

Pageant participants are restricted to age-appropriate activities and competitions, with girls under the age of 12 not allowed to wear make-up and with no swimsuit competition offered. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship and setting and achieving personal goals.

Kayla enjoys karate, tennis and learning new things, according to the press release. Her hobbies include swimming; spending time with her friends, pets and family; reading; riding her bike and doing nail designs.