MISS MISSISSIPPI TEEN

Melissa Jeanette

Martinez has been crowned the 2008 National American Miss Mississippi Teen.

Martinez will attend the national pageant in

Anaheim, Calif., at

Disneyland during Thanksgiving week, where she will represent Mississippi and have the opportunity to win her share of more than $500,000 in cash and prizes. Martinez's

activities include

participation in Silver Wings, dancing,

modeling, playing

basketball and tennis, being a full-time

student, volunteering, motivational speaking and participating in community service

projects. She is the daughter of Janice

Martinez, and the sister of Krystina Martinez of Meridian.

Submitted photo