A 9-year-old Lansford native has been chosen a Pennsylvania state finalist in a national youth pageant.

Winter Sky Trudich, daughter of Dennis and Deborah Shupp Trudich, Kempton, was selected a finalist in the National American Miss Pennsylvania Pageant to be held on Aug. 10 and 11 at the Hilton Harrisburg.Trudich is the granddaughter of Ellen Trudich, Tamaqua.The National American Miss pageants are held for girls age 4-18 and have five different age divisions. Trudich is participating in the 7-10 age division along with other young ladies from across the commonwealth.Her activities include dancing, singing and entertaining. Her family says she enjoys reading, recycling, and making holiday gifts for the elderly and less fortunate. Her pageant sponsors are friends and family.The pageant winner will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the NAM National Pageant in California where the winner will receive a 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 awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and other prizes, including a new Ford Mustang convertible.The pageant is unlike others in that girls under age 12 are not allowed to wear makeup and there is no swimsuit competition. All activities and competitions are kept age-appropriate.The program emphasizes inner beauty as well as poise and presentation, and offers and "all-American spirit of fun for family and friends."Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self confidence, learning good sportsmanship, and achieving personal goals.The pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her set goals for the future.More information is available at

www.namiss.com.