McDONOUGH — Krysten Simpkins is the 2016 Junior Miss Reigning America National Preteen.
“I’m happy that I won,” said Simpkins, 13. “I was nervous because it was a 50-50 chance, and anybody could have won. Everybody was good.”
She was crowned Junior Miss Reigning America on July 2, but has several other state and local titles to her name, including this year’s Miss Ola Middle School.
As part of the prize package for her latest title, the seventh-grader was invited to attend the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September.
Simpkins is the daughter of Amy and Leeland Simpkins of McDonough.
“This is a huge honor for her,” said her mother. “There have been other titles but this is the biggest one for her.
“She’s at the age now where she’s created a platform,” she continued. “She created an organization called Pause for Paws to collect donations for local animal shelters.”
Simpkins said her new charity will collect dog food, blankets and toys for those confined to kennels and shelters. She is also asking people in the community to volunteer their time at local shelters.
She has three four-legged companions herself, including a rescued Golden Retriever.
“I have a heart for all animals, because animals are people too,” said Simpkins. “They just have four legs, a tail and fur.”
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