August 14, 2008

Athenna Crosby named National American Miss California

San Jose’s Athenna Crosby (right) recently was named 2008 National American Miss California. She will represent the state of California at the national pageant in Anaheim, Calif. at Disneyland during Thanksgiving week.

Crosby’s achievements include performing with the Atlas School of Dance at Branham Dance Center, the Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose, and as a representative for the Gifted Student’s Program for the San Jose Unified School District. She will be a fifth grade student at Hacienda Elementary School this fall.

The National American Miss Pageant celebrates America’s greatness and encourages its future leaders. Each year, the National American Miss Pageants awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist the development of young women nationwide. The pageant is dedicated to developing successful young women with a program designed to be age-appropriate and family-oriented. Pageants are held in each state for girls ages 4 to 18 in five age divisions.

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 set goals for the future.