Local Student Named “Miss Bowie Pre-Teen Queen"

Malinda "Eryn" Barnes, age 12, was recently crowned “Miss Bowie Pre-Teen Queen 2020 by National American Miss. As the Spokesmodel winner for the State of Maryland, she will compete in the National All-American Miss Pageant to be held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency hotel in Orlando, Florida on November 28. Girls from across the United States will compete for the coveted 2020 National All-American Miss Pre-Teen Title.

Malinda “Eryn” Barnes lives in Bowie, Maryland with her parents Frank and Nneka Barnes. Her grandparents are Mrs. Gladys Barnes of Waldorf, Maryland, Mayor Malinda Miles of Mount Rainier, Maryland, and Dr. William Miles of Columbia, South Carolina. She is a seventh-grade scholar at Judith P. Hoyer Montessori School in Landover, Maryland.

The National All-American Miss Pageant is held for girls age four to eighteen. Contestants compete in five overall categories including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview, Resume, and Community Service Project. The National All-American Miss pageant also offers optional contests such as the Runway Model Search, Spokesmodel, Actress, and much more. Thousands will be awarded in cash and prizes, and one lucky winner will win a 2020 Ford Mustang Convertible.

The National American Miss Pageant system is the largest in the nation, and is dedicated to the development of girls. It offers age-appropriate activities that focuses on empowering future leaders. The program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise and presentation, and offers an "All-American spirit of fun for family and friends." Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence and learning new skills, such as good attitudes about competition, as well as setting and achieving personal goals.

Miss Barnes’ activities include participation in accelerated math, Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN), and Girls Scouts. She enjoys gymnastics, international travel, and watching movies with her family and friends. She also enjoys providing “Sweet Treats for Seniors,” a community service project she started to reduce the loneliness of Seniors due to Covid-19. Miss Barnes is an excellent student, and she was recently selected for membership into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).