Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo: Courtney Lynne Smits (left), of Union Grove High School, was recently crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA. Smits is pictured with Miss Georgia USA 2012, Jasmine Wilkins.

A 15-year-old Union Grove High School sophomore is now Miss Georgia Teen USA 2012.

Competing as Miss McDonough Teen USA, in Cartersville, Ga., recently, Courtney Lynne Smits emerged as the winner among a field of 79 teens. She is scheduled to represent the Peach State at the Miss Teen USA pageant planned for an as-yet-unnamed location next summer.

“I was not expecting to win at all,” Smits said. “I was competing for the experience, and to meet so many wonderful girls. Once I won, it was so unexpected and everything just came at me so fast, but I loved it,” she said. “Right after I was crowned, I had to go backstage for my first official photo shoot. I have met so many new people, and I am still meeting sponsors from the Miss Ga. Teen USA Pageant.”

Smits won this year’s title on Nov. 19, but the victory was announced this week.

Smits has competed in pageants since she was 7 years old. She was appointed the title of Miss Georgia Junior Teen when she won Miss Junior Teen America in 2010, in Hartford Conn.

“My advice to other pageant contestants, who want to compete for the crown, is for them to compete for the experience, and to have fun and to meet new people, rather than to go and be so focused on the competition that they miss out on the experience,” the youngster said.

Smits said she enjoys working on her grandparents’ farm in Pennsylvania during the summer, spending time with her family, and hanging out with her friends.

As a student at Union Grove High School, in McDonough, she is not only involved in the NJROTC [Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps] program, but also lends her vocal talents to the school’s chorus.

“I was very excited for Courtney; she is an outstanding young lady here ...,” said Tom Smith, principal of Union Grove High School. “I knew she was involved in competing in pageants, but I guess I didn’t realize she was competing at that level. As a school, and community, we are always proud when one of our students excels in their area of interest.”

Upon graduation from high school, Smits said, her ultimate dream is to, one day, be a successful fashion model, after appearing on the hit show, “America’s Next Top Model.” She also plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy, and hopes to serve as a C5 Galaxy pilot.

Smits, an American citizen, was born abroad to military parents. She said her life always has been focused on United States soldiers, and supporting the country’s men and women in uniform.

At the age of 10, she founded “Queens For Courage.” The organization is committed to raising support and awareness for Wounded Warriors, and has raised more than $6,000.

“My immediate goals as Miss Georgia Teen USA are to work hard to set the example for other teenagers to make a difference in their community through volunteerism; bring more awareness to the issue of bullying [as I have been a victim of it myself], and to raise one topic of discussion [regarding issues that affect teens] each month on my Facebook page, which will be open to sharing ideas and experiences.”

Smits believes the use of positive messages through social media is essential in a healthy lifestyles for teens.

Follow her throughout her reign on her Facebook page –– Miss Georgia Teen USA.