Victoria Valentine, a fourth generation Montanan and graduate of Biola University in Southern California, became the reigning Miss Montana in Glendive in June 14.

Although she received her bachelor’s degree in human biology in Southern California, Valentine’s roots are strong in Montana, and in fact in Lake County. Her maternal grandparents are Cal and Alice Lindburg of Ronan. Her mother is MerriLee Valentine, who graduated from Ronan High School.

“We are very proud of Victoria,” commented grandmother Alice Lindburg. “She’s very capable, smart and intelligent. She has been active in church and she is well-founded. She thinks of others and won’t take advantage of people.”

According to her biography, Valentine won on the platform “Read it and Reap” which encourages reading in young children. When she competes in the Miss America Pageant 2015, she plans on speaking on behalf of the Children’s Miracle Network.

Valentine won $5,000 in scholarship money for winning the Miss Montana pageant and an additional $2,000 for her excellent performances in the talent and interview portions of the competition. She wishes to put that money toward graduate school where she hopes to become a Physician’s Assistant.