Aaliyah Minter, 6, and Jakayla Minter, 9, have been chosen as state finalists in the National American Miss Virginia Pageant to be held July 28-30 in Reston.

The National American Miss pageants are held for girls age 4-18 and have five different age divisions. Aaliyah will be participating in the Miss Virginia Princess 4-6 age division and Jakayla will be participating in the Miss Virginia Jr. Pre-Teen 7-9 age division.

The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses and air transportation to compete in the national pageant in California.

Aaliyah’s activities include singing in the youth gospel group the Divine Angels of Cumberland and her church youth choir, the Rocky Mount Voices of Praise, making honor roll in school and participating in Daisy Girl Scout Troop 5201. She also enjoys fishing, roller skating, riding her bike, drawing, swimming and spending time with family and friends.

Jakayla’s activities include singing in the youth gospel group the Divine Angels of Cumberland and the church youth choir, the Rocky Mount Voices of Praise, making excellent grades in school and participating in Daisy Girl Scout Troop 5201. She also enjoys fishing, roller coasters, roller skating, riding her bike, arts and crafts, swimming, tutoring her younger sister and spending time with family and friends.