State and local pageants are the heart of the Miss America Organization. Throughout the years, we've learned so much about what it takes to run, volunteer, and be a part of these pageants, that we wanted to share ten tips for making the best of your state or local pageant.

Natalie Ragazzo was recently crowned Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen 2011 by her predecessor, Andie Babusik. Natalie is a 15-year-old vocalist from Pennington, New Jersey. She will go on to compete at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant in Orlando this August. Congratulations, Natalie!

Photo: Richard Krauss