Chicago: Naperville, Illinois, resident and Waubonsie Valley High School rising junior Kareena Garg was placed 1^st Runner Up at the National American Miss Illinois Jr. Teen competition held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She is also the state winner of the Spokesmodel speech competition and was awarded Miss Personality.

Garg was judged upon an onstage personal introduction, interview with a panel of judges, onstage formal wear, community service involvement, and her overall poise and presence during the final pageant against a host of talented girls.

She believes that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams, and National American Miss (NAM) gives an incredible opportunity for girls to achieve confidence, communication skills, poise, and make lifelong friendships through the process of preparing and competing in a pageant which promotes a girlâ€™s natural beauty.

She thanks her family and friends for their endless love and support.

She is very excited to qualify to compete for the National All-American Miss Jr. Teen Title in California this November, and is looking forward to the opportunities NAM will bring to her in achieving her future career goals.

Kareena Garg is 1st Runner Up at the National American Miss Illinois Jr. Teen competition