Madi Schmeling, 9, was chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Washington Jr. Pre-Teen Pageant to be held Sept. 3-5 at the Hilton in Bellevue. The pageant is held for girls ages 7-9.

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 Anaheim, Calif. Pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, in five age groups.

Madi’s talents include casual wear modeling, an acting skit and singing. She enjoys dancing, hula-hoops and playing with her friends. Madi’s sponsors include Hit Connections Entertainment.

Madi, daughter of Paul and Rachel LaBranche, attends Pioneer Elementary and is a member of the Auburn Elites. Madi’s mother, Rachel, formerly Rachel Sewell, won the title of Auburn Idol 2007.

In addition, Madi played Small Alice in “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” at the Auburn Avenue Theater for the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department’s summer camp in 2008 and performed in Auburn Riverside High School’s recent production of “Music Man”.

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-orientated.

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

The National American Miss pageants are for the “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 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.