Jayla Moore, a student at A.C. Moore Elementary School, and who is an Atmore resident, competed with 50 other girls in The National American Miss pageant held in Montgomery in June. She won first place in the acting competition, which awarded her $250 cash and will give her a chance to compete in the Nationals in Anaheim, Calif. during the Thanksgiving holidays. She was one of the top-10 runners up.

“Jayla is really determined and when she got on that stage, she was fearless,“ said Cassondra Moore, her mother. “We knew she was talented but she even amazed us. It was so emotional, and just hearing her name called as the first place winner of the acting competition had us all in tears.”

Jayla said that she had a really good time in the competition.

“I had so much fun,” Jayla said. “I met a lot of new friends and look forward to the Nationals in California.”

The Nationals Pageant will be held in Anaheim, Calif., at Disneyland during Thanksgiving week, Jayla will be representing the state of Alabama, where she will have the opportunity to win her share of over $500,000 in cash and prizes, and the National title.

“Today’s Girl” and “Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise, presentation, and offers an “All American Spirit” of fun for family and friends. Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning new skills, learning good attitudes about competition, and setting and achieving personal goals.