Aleah Dean, 17, of Austin was recently named Miss Indiana Teen USA and will be competing for the national title next month in California.
The local teen was first runner-up in the pageant last year. She will be a senior this fall at Austin High School and wants to expand her studies in the performing arts to achieve her dream as a Broadway ensemblist.
She is the daughter of Rachelle & Bob Fergison.
The state finalists competed in personality in an interview, fitness in active wear, elegance in an evening gown, and a round of on-stage questions.
First runner-up was Bevely Lope of Indianapolis, 2nd was Summer Ratcliff of Ripley County, 3rd was JJ Kokonaign of Huntertown, 4th was Jetta Hayes of Carmel.
The National Teen USA pageant will be Aug. 1 in Los Angeles, CA. It will be televised live on the CW Network.
The public is invited to a send-off party for the local teen this Friday, July 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Celebration Hall, 1524 N. Gardner St in Scottsburg.