Cassopolis junior Ranae Lintz is trying to raise money to compete in the Miss Michigan Teen pageant in July. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

Cassopolis junior Ranae Lintz will be competing in the Miss Michigan Teen portion of the National American Miss pageant July 6-8 in Dearborn.

The pageant will be held at the Adoba Hotel.

Lintz, 18, has never competed in a pageant before. She decided she would give it a try and returned the application form, which she received via the mail, and then had to go for an interview before being accepted into the competition.

“I gave it a try, I went for my interview and they accepted me,” Lintz said. “The interview was nerve-wracking. I was nervous and scared at the same time. I didn’t know what to do. It felt like a job interview to me.”

Lintz was able to prep for the interview, but still wasn’t sure what to expect having never competed in anything.

The focus of the National American Miss is to help young women gain confidence and experience as well as the possibility of winning prizes, scholarships and cash awards.

Lintz said she also liked the fact that there is no talent or no bathing suits in the competition.

The judging is based on 30 percent personal introduction, 30 percent formal wear poise and appearance and 30 percent on communication skills. A community involvement project the weekend of the pageant counts for 10 percent of the score.

“I wanted to see what it was like and see what I can do,” Lintz said of her reasons for competing in the pageant. “I wanted to see if I was different from everybody else.”

Lintz also said she is looking forward to meeting new people and interacting with them during the pageant.

She is currently working on raising the $480 sponsorship fee needed to enter the pageant.

To help defray the costs, contact Lintz at (269) 228-2214 or (269) 228-6065.