I'm proud to announce that my daughter Ashley DeJesus of Woodstock, was selected to participate in the 2012 Miss Teen Atlanta pageant competition that will take place on Sunday, March 25.

Ashley is a junior at River Ridge High School. She learned of her acceptance into this year's competition when the pageant announced their selections following interviewing in the local Atlanta area.

Ashley submitted an application and took part in an interview session that was conducted by this year's Atlanta Pageant Coordinator, Patty Ann. She will be competing for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants.

Ashley will be competing in the Miss Teen division with contestants ages 16 to 19 competing in modeling routines, which include casual wear and formal wear.

Most important, she will display her personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year's Atlanta judging panel. Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Ashley were to win the title of Miss Teen Atlanta, she would represent Atlanta and the surrounding communities at the National Competition that will take place in Orlando, FL. Over $30,000 in prizes and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys this expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando.

Community businesses, organizations and private individuals will assist Ashley in participating in this year's competition by becoming an official sponsor to her. Through sponsorship, she will receive all the necessary training, rehearsals and financial support which will allow her to become a very confident and well-prepared contestant in this year's Atlanta Pageant.

Any businesses, organization or private individual who may be interested in becoming a sponsor to Ashley DeJesus may contact the Miss Teen Atlanta pageant coordinator at 1-800-279-0976 or Nancy DeJesus, mother, at 404-229-1380. If sponsoring by check or money order, please make out to: 2012 Miss Teen and make sure you write on the bottom left Ashley DeJesus ACC-6402 (This is her acceptance number). Her sponsorship fee is $495 and $125 for Miss Photogenic Competition for a total of $620, and you may contribute all or a part of it. All sponsors will be recognized in the official pageant program book, and sponsorships are tax deductible for businesses as an advertising expense.

Please spread the word and help Ashley celebrate this event with her. Thanks in advance for all your support.