Mineral County recently was represented at a statewide beauty and fitness pageant.

Alberton sophomore, Kristina Solinger, joined 18 other young women from Montana to compete in this year’s Miss Montana Teen USA. The competition was held in Missoula on September 3 and 4, in conjunction with Miss Montana USA.

The title for Miss Montana Teen went to Elle Cook from West Yellowstone. Solinger came in as fifth runner up.

“I’m happy she won,” said Solinger, “she’s super nice, just stunning and has a great personality. She’ll do a good job.”

Solinger is no stranger to pageants. Last year she was crowned America’s Super Pre-teen. In her role, she traveled around Montana and helped to promote seat belt use and awareness. Her term ended over this past summer.

There were rehearsals, group bonding exercises, and interviews with the judges on Saturday. With the competition on Sunday, which included evening gown and a swim suit competition. There was not a talent contest included in the competition. The top five contestants then participated in a second round of evening gown and swim suit along with a questions on stage.

It was a sold out show at the Missoula Children’s Theatre and Solinger said she was really nervous, especially when she saw her family and friends in the audience.

“I just turned that nervous energy into happy, excited energy since it’s all the same feeling,” she said. “As long as I did my best, I can’t be mad at myself. I know I did the best I could do. It was also a good public speaking experience.”

Though she couldn’t recall her question, one for a fellow contestant was, “if you win, what is the first thing you would do as Miss Montana Teen USA?”

Miss Montana Teen travels around Montana, however Miss Montana will travel around the country. The national title competition will be held in Los Vegas.

She roomed with a girl from Big Sky and said she “just loved her.”

“It’s not just about getting the crown and winning, it’s all about making friends and comradery. Everyone is so nice. It was fun and everyone was just having fun with it,” she said.

Miss Montana Teen is for ages 13 to 19. Solinger is 15 and plans on competing again next year.

“This year I didn’t have very much prep time. Most of the other girls prepped all year, I only had two months,” she said. “I already have my gown and interview outfit picked out for next year.”