On Saturday, Nov. 2, Manheim Township senior Natalie Kling was crowned United States of America Miss Pennsylvania.

She competed for the title against other women from across the state.

The winners were chosen based on a scoring system. Each contestant is judged in four categories: interview, bikini, evening gown and an on-stage question.

Unlike most of her fellow contestants, the Miss Pennsylvania pageant was Kling’s second time competing. After facing challenges in cheerleading, which Kling spent most of her life doing, she found that pageants were a better fit for her.

Kling now uses pageants as an opportunity to express herself and share her experiences to inspire other girls. Her main focus is speaking about mental health.

“The best experience I have had so far was being able to stand on a stage in front of a huge crowd and talk about mental health,” said Kling. “Not only am I able to talk about mental health, but I am able to do so without feeling uncomfortable or judged by others. Instead, I felt heard for the first time and like I actually am making an impact on people.”

On Memorial Day weekend, Kling will compete against all states for the national title.

“I was never expecting to even become Miss Pennsylvania, so I am excited to see just how far I can make it against the other 49 states,” she said.