Emily Bray, daughter of Michelle and Tom Bray of Sunset Hills, recently earned the prestigious title of the 2013 National American Miss Missouri at the state pageant in Columbia.

Emily, a Lindbergh High School sophomore, competed with 167 girls from Missouri in the areas of personal introduction, formal wear, interview and community service.

She will represent Missouri at the national pageant during Thanksgiving week in Anaheim, Calif.

At the national event, Emily will have the opportunity to win her share of more than $500,000 in cash and prizes, according to a news release. The National American Miss Scholarship Program is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging future leaders.

She will have the opportunity at the national event to win a new 2013 Ford Mustang convertible.

The National American Miss Scholarship Program is for “Today’s Girl” and “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” according to the release.

The program is based on inner beauty, poise, 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 release stated.

Emily is the Class of 2016 secretary at Lindbergh High, an active member of the Student Council and a member of the Elite Athlete Club — L Club.

She also is a Renaissance Award recipient, a President’s Award recipient for Community Service and Academic Achievement and a Principal’s Award Recipient. Emily is a member of the varsity tennis team.

Her community service platform is Friends of Kids With Cancer.