Northeast Georgia Teen Named NAM State Finalist

Miss Mackenzie Ruiz, age 17, has been chosen as a State Finalist in the National American Miss Georgia Pageant to be held July 4th weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. The pageant is held for girls ages 15-17. The winner of the pageant will receive a $1000 cash award, the official crown and banner, and air transportation to compete in the national pageant at Disneyland in California. Pageants are held for girls age of four to eighteen, in five age groups.  The National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging it future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist in the development of young women nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family oriented.  Families interested in learning more about this unique and outstanding youth program may visit www.namiss.com.  The National American Miss pageants are for "Today's Girl" and "Tomorrow's Leaders." The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and 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 pageant seeks to recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging her to settle for the future.  Miss Ruiz's activities include dance, modeling, entrepreneurial ventures, preparing for her senior year at HomeschoolED Academy, and promoting her platform for dyslexia awareness. Mackenzie is a former title holder as Teen Miss Gwinnett County 2012, and  Miss Georgia Junior Teen, USA Ambassador 2012. She is the daughter of Rico and Kathy Ruiz of Winder,  Georgia. Miss Ruiz's sponsors include Arete' Fashion, For Him Masonry, Arbonne International, First Knight Realty, and Kimberly Crocker Hair and Make-Up.