Monticello teen Addison Carver recently made the Top 5 at the national Miss High School America Pageant in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Carver, a Lawrence County High School sophomore, is a superintendent’s scholar, varsity cheerleader, Beta Club member, Student Council representative and tennis team member. She is also part of the Show Stopper’s School of Dance competitive dance company and was recently selected as an NCA All-American Cheerleader. She is the daughter of Dwayne and Kristi Carney, and the late Chuck Carver.

After losing her father to cancer when she was 13, Carver turned to dance as a way to help her cope. She then started her “Dance To Empower” initiative, to build dance appreciation, education and awareness. She hopes to reach as many dancers as possible combining her initiative with the Building Respect And Values for Everyone (B.R.A.V.E.) platform of the Miss High School America Pageant. B.R.A.V.E. is intended to help children dealing with bullying and other struggles.

During the national competition, delegates were scored in three categories — individual interview with judges (40 percent), evening gown (40 percent) and fun fashion (20 percent).

The Miss High School America Scholarship Pageant Organization was created in 2009 to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women. The organization’s goal is to provide outstanding junior high, high school and collegiate girls the opportunity to compete in a prestigious national level scholarship pageant. For more information visit www.americashighschoolpageant.com.