Adam, Kessel competing for Miss Teen of Iowa

Sara Adam and Makayla Kessel, both of Fairfield, will be among the candidates competing for the title of Miss Teen of Iowa at the 2012 state pageant Friday through Sunday in Pella.

Adam is the daughter of James and Rebecca Adam, and Kessel is the daughter of Steve and Lori Kessel.

The winner of the pageant competition will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship and a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. The new state titleholder also will be eligible to compete for the national title of Miss Teen of America and vie for additional scholarships, awards and prizes.

Each state candidate will be scored in six judging categories: scholastic record; achievement and service to school and community; personal development of talents and skills; general awareness written test; personality projection in formal wear; and interview.

According to national pageant founder Warren Alexander, 60 percent of the judging involves written resumes and testing, with the strongest single category being the interview with the judges.

The state pageant finals are at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Douwstra Auditorium on the Central College campus. The event is open to the public, and tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Special guests at the event will include former Miss Teen of Iowa Emily Faust of Colesburg.