Ranchos 15-year-old selected as National American Miss state finalist

Gardnerville Ranchos resident, Trinity Nielsen, is one step closer to realizing a dream when she was selected as a state finalist in the National American Miss Pageant.

Trinity, a 15-year-old freshman at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, will attend the National American Miss Pageant to be held June 15-17 at the Palace Station in Las Vegas. This pageant is for girls 13-15 years of age.

"I am really excited and I can't wait to see what happens," Trinity said about going to Las Vegas.

When Trinity, the daughter of Charles and Blanca Nielsen, isn't attending classes, she loves helping elderly neighbors, taking care of animals, horseback riding and baking.

"I love singing, dancing, helping my mom with interpretation and being active," she said. "I also enjoy baby-sitting.

"I enjoy going to Pau-Wa-Lu. I get to see my friends and I get to learn."

Trinity has two brothers Matthew and David; as well as two sisters, Sandra and Silvia.

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.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging its future leaders. The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation. 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.

Trinity is being sponsored by her family, friends and neighbors. Families interested in learning more about this youth program may visit www.namiss.com for more information.