Mackenzie Ann Cirksena, 14, of Clive has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Iowa Pageant (NAM) to be held April 13 and 14 in Waterloo, according to a news release.

She is a freshman at PrairieView School in Waukee.

The NAM Pageants are held for girls ages 4-18, and have five different age divisions. Mackenzie will be participating in the Junior Teen age division.

The winner of the Pageant will receive a $1,000 cash reward, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California where she will receive a complimentary tour of Hollywood and two V. I. P. tickets to Disneyland.

The NAM Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s future leaders and equipping them with life-long skills. Each year the pageant nationally awards $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, the news release said. 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 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 put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, as well as setting and achieving personal goals. The pageant recognizes the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to set goals for her future.

Mackenzie’s activities include being a part of her school’s student council Ambassador program, acting, modeling, playing guitar, and piano. She also enjoys writing songs, reading, singing, dancing, and spending time with her family and her friends.