Local girl a finalist for Miss California Pageant

Melissa Alex

Melissa Alex, 9, of Simi Valley will compete as a state finalist in the National American Miss California Pageant to be held Aug. 16 to 18 at Hyatt Orange County in Garden Grove. Melissa will be competing with girls ages 7 through 9.

The pageant winner will receive a $1,000 cash award, crown, banner, bouquet of roses and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland.

Melissa has performed in local musical theater such as "High School Musical," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Fiddler on the Roof" and has danced in the Nutcracker Ballet. She has also served dinners to homeless people in Simi Valley.

The National American Miss Pageants award thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide. All activities are age appropriate and family oriented. For more information, go to www.namiss.com.