Freshman Sydney Berry won Miss Missouri Teen at the Princess of America pageant in Liberty, Missouri. She is now preparing for nationals.

“There were about 30 to 40 girls in my division. Twelve other girls and I are moving on to Nationals,” Berry said.

Since age 10, Berry has competed in eight pageants. She says her biggest supporter has been her mom.

“I meet with a pageant coach once a month who helps me with my interview and walk,” Berry said.

The pageant starts out with the girls walking in their evening gowns followed by a personal introduction. Next comes the interview, when the judges ask a few basic questions to get to know the contestant better. Lastly, judges ask contestants the onstage question, a final prompt, such as “If you could pick another girl here competing to win the title, who would it be and why?”

“My favorite part is the interview because it’s more low-key. It feels like I’m just having a normal conversation with the judges,” Berry said.

Berry also competed in the optional Spokesmodel Competition with 15 to 20 contenders and won that as well.

“In the Spokesmodel Competition, you write a speech about a problem in the world you’re passionate about. I wrote mine about climate change,” Berry said.

To win the Ambassador title at nationals, the contestant must be involved with a minimum of 10 community projects.

“Some of the projects I’ve been involved with so far have been a shoe drive, Radiothon for Children’s Miracle Network and a food drive called Fishes and Loaves,” Berry said.

Berry will be competing in the Princess of America national competition in August in Branson, MO, and hopes to beat the twelve other girls competing in the Miss Teen USA Pageant.

“I’m really excited about nationals. I am probably more confident than I am nervous because I feel more prepared than the last pageant,” Berry said. “Regardless of the results, I’m proud of myself for getting this far.”