Miss Ariana Tinker of Orangeburg, the daughter of Jennifer and Aaron Tinker, has been selected as a State Finalist in the Miss Cheerleader of America Selection to be held on May 5 and May 6.

Tinker is a 12th grader representing Orangeburg Wilkinson High School. As a state finalist, Tinker will be competing for cash scholarships and awards which she will be able to use at a private or public college, university or trade school of her choice.

Tinker has been a cheerleader for her entire high school career. As a freshman, she cheered on the B-team, as a sophomore she was on JV and was chosen as co-captain. Ariana then advanced to the varsity squad. She will graduate in the top 5 percent of her class and go to college, where she will major in biology, and eventually go to medical school.

The Miss Cheerleader of America program is offered to female high school cheerleaders, grades 9 through 12. The competition includes short interviews with qualified judges. The competition also includes an elegant pageant-style evening gown selection.

A preliminary judging was made from applications distributed by high school counselors or coaches, and the girls were chosen because of their many outstanding qualities. The girls are required to write a "tie-breaker" essay.

"This is not a beauty, bathing suit, cheer skill or talent composition," Pageant Coordinator Lucy Wiesend said. "The judges are trained to look for the all-American girl, who normally would not even think about being in a pageant. The pride that each girl feels after her state pageant proves to be priceless!"

Because Mrs. Wiesend is a writer and former journalist, the essay portion of the selection is very important.

The winner will be crowned her state's Miss Cheerleader of America and receive a beautiful tiara, plaque and official sash at the Selection. Each high school will receive the cheerleader's name and photo on a plaque for placement in the sports trophy case. Each participant receives a personalized school sash, tiara, State Finalist plaque, certificate, and Miss Cheerleader of America souvenir gifts to treasure for a lifetime. Scholarship money is handed out on a state level; there is no national pageant.

The Miss Cheerleader of America organization promotes education through the gifting of tuition scholarships. Pageant MC and assistant director is Natalie Wiesend. Ms Wiesend, an Early Childhood Education graduation of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, has cheered from fourth through 12th grades. She also has coached on the junior varsity and varsity level. The organization is registered with the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services and with the U.S. Department of Trademarks.

"Competition was established to give high school cheerleaders the recognition, respect, and tuition assistance they deserve," said Wiesend.

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