Brier-Terrace Middle School eighth-grader Karina Gonzalez is one of 26 contestants set to compete in the 2013 Miss Washington Teen Pageant to be held in Burien at the Highline Performing Arts Center Oct. 20 and 21.

Gonzalez is participating in the event as Mountlake Terrace Teen USA, a title given to her following her application acceptance into the pageant. The teen and her family have lived in the community for about a year after a move from Lynnwood.

The Miss Washington Teen pageant is held in conjunction with the Miss Washington USA pageant, which will take place over the same weekend in Burien. Contestants are judged on character, poise, confidence and personality. The titlists and other top finalists will be awarded cash prizes and scholarships; the winners of the two pageants will go on to the 2013 Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants, tentatively scheduled for early next summer.

Gonzalez has her eye on some of the scholarship money the Miss Teen pageant is giving away. She wants to pursue a career as an environmental engineer after completion of her schooling. But for now she is concentrating on learning dance routines, seeking sponsors and choosing pageant outfits.

Gonzalez has already picked out her evening gown for the pageant, describing it as “a lavender Greek goddess dress.”

The family is now working to secure donations to support Gonzalez’s appearance in the pageant, including $300 from a local business wanting to place an ad in the pageant program. Any Mountlake Terrace, Brier or south Snohomish County individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring her in the pageant can contact the Gonzalez family at mariolla69@sbcglobal.net.

One aspect of the 2013 Miss Washington Teen USA competition is actually underway now; the public is invited to place votes for pageant contestants in the categories of Miss Photogenic and The People’s Choice here.