Lucia Marie Zanti, 12, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Missouri Pageant that will take place Aug. 14 and Aug. 15 at the Hyatt Regency in St. Louis.

The winner of the pageant for girls ages 10 through 12 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 in California.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide.

The National American Miss pageants are for “Today’s Girl” and “Tomorrow’s Leaders.” 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.

Lucia’s activities include volleyball, dance, hockey, camping and cheerleading. She also enjoys baby-sitting, reading, writing and rock climbing. She intends to be a counselor in training at Camp Weloki next summer.

She is the daughter of Judy Zanti of Oakville.