SEATTLE — Moses Lake native Shree Saini, now studying economics and business at the University of Washington, was recently chosen as the Miss Seattle runner-up.

The pageant was held at the IKEA Performing Arts Center in Renton. Saini was one of seven contestants who had to be between the ages of 17-24 and either live, work, or go to school in Washington.

Having been named runner-up, Saini is now eligible, and will compete in, the Miss Washington 2016 pageant. Miss Washington will move on to compete in the annual Miss America pageant.

In addition to being named runner-up, Saini also received awards for "Highest Program Book Advertisement Sales," "Highest Ticket Sales," the "Audience Award," and the "Four Points of the Crown Award."

Saini said the Four Points of the Crown Award, representing style, service, scholarship, and success, meant the most to her. The pageant's group of directors, from across the state, choose the winner who they feel best exemplifies the four points of the crown.

Saini said, via email, "We have had rehearsals with the directors and producers for the past several months and this is the highest honor for me. Thank you very much for your faith in me."

Miss Seattle is a scholarship organization affiliated with the Miss America Organization. The MAO "is one of the largest providers of scholarships to women in the world. Each year the organization offers millions in scholarships to its competitors. Yes, every contestant gets a scholarship,” according to the Miss Seattle website.

"The Miss America Foundation has also created a scholarship specifically for young women studying in the STEM fields. STEM scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded to two of the 53 contestants who are competing for the title of Miss America."

Eligibility is contingent upon the contestant being enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, with a declared major in science, technology, engineering, or math.