BRITTANY PERKINS Brittany Perkins, a rising junior at LCHS, participated in the 2009 National American Miss (NAM) Georgia Teen Pageant, held Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, in Atlanta.

The mission of the pageant is to encourage America's future leaders and equip them with valuable life skills. It is a program based on life experience and the foundational principles of positive self-image and the natural beauty within.

Out of 122 contestants, Perkins was selected as one of the top 20 semifinalists and was the recipient of the following prestigious awards:

.. The "NAM Portfolio Award."

.. An "Outstanding Program Participation Award."

.. The "Spirit of America Award."

.. The "Most Recommendations Award," which carried with it a check for $50.

In addition, the Lincoln County resident was named the first runnerup for both the "Best Thank-You Note Award" and the "Top Model Award," the third runner-up in "Casual Wear Modeling," and the third runner-up for "Miss Photogenic."

Along with these honors, Perkins also received an invitation to compete in the National American Miss Pageant, which will take place in Anaheim, California, in November.

In her comments, she thanked all of her sponsors for making the experience possible.

Perkins is the daughter of Laura and Emerson Perkins of Lincolnton and the granddaughter of Kay Toto, also of Lincolnton, and the late Marc Toto.