Jolene Nieves, a 2009 Seton Hill University graduate, will compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 27, at the Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh.

Nieves, of Central City, Pa., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science and served as the president of the class of 2009 at Seton Hill. She received the History Senior Award in 2009 for outstanding achievement during her four years at Seton Hill and the Student Leadership Award for significant leadership in student government.

Nieves’ platform is “Democracy in Action: Youth Voting and Political Awareness.” For the talent portion of the completion, she will share a vocal performance of “I am what I am.”

Nieves’ interest in pageants was sparked when she met Miss West Virginia 2006, Tiffany Lawrence.

“I was in a dress shop trying on gowns when Tiffany Lawrence, Miss West Virginia, walked into my dressing room. She apologized and talked to me for a few minutes. Later, when I was checking out, I saw her again. She told me that I should consider the Miss America Organization. And that’s where it started,” said Nieves.

Nieves started competing in pageants in November 2007 at the Miss Cambria County pageant where she placed first runner-up.

In the Miss America Organization, contestants are judged on interviews, talents, onstage questions, swim wear, and evening wear. The Miss America Organization encourages young women who participate in the program to become involved in the community, to develop a platform and to speak out on issues of concern to them, to their communities and to the nation.