Darrian Arch, 15, finds National American Miss to be an opportunity like no other.

The daughter of Dr. Joseph and Dawn Arch of Chesterton who has competed in the pageant for the last four years was crowned Miss Indiana Junior Teen at the National American Miss competition held Fourth of July weekend in Indianapolis.

She will compete for the title of 2010 National American Miss over Thanksgiving weekend in Anaheim, Calif. Contestants will be scored 30 percent on personal introduction, 30 percent on formal wear poise and appearance, 30 percent on communication skills in an interview and 10 percent on participating in a community involvement project on pageant weekend. She recently gave up her title as Miss Indiana American Co-Ed and was the 2008 Miss Duneland Outstanding Pre Teen.

She will make an appearance as Miss Indiana Junior Teen at the Wizard of Oz parade in Chesterton.

Arch likes volunteering. She recently lent a helping hand at Bark in the Park in Chesterton and will participate in Light the Night Walk Sept. 19 at Lake County Fairgrounds. Participants will light the night at this annual evening walk for blood cancer by carrying illuminated balloons in honor of survivors, in support of current patients and in memory of loved ones. Funds raised by walkers go toward lifesaving blood cancer research, financial assistance for patients, free educational materials and local counseling programs. The one to two mile walk is free to individual walkers and teams.

A sophomore at Chesterton High School, Arch is a varsity cheerleader. She did gymnastics for 12 years and just recently stopped to join the cheer team. She practiced at Platinum Gymnastics in Michigan City concentrating on bars, beam, vault and floor exercises and winning many medals and ribbon, advancing to state level competition every year.

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.