By Emily Beckett

The Clanton Advertiser

 

A Birmingham girl with ties to Dallas County will soon have the chance to showcase her vocal talents on a national stage.

Mi’a Callens, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen for 2011, was chosen by the Miss America Board of Directors to sing the national anthem at the 2012 Miss America Pageant on Jan. 10 in Las Vegas.

“I feel so honored to have been chosen to perform on the big stage, the Miss America stage,” Callens said,

“And to be able to be in Las Vegas to support my mentor, my Miss Alabama, Courtney Porter, as she competes for the title of Miss America and for me to be able to continue to represent the great state of Alabama with pride.”

Callens will also perform onstage with the other state teen titleholders on Jan. 11.

“I constantly work hard, but I am always amazed and overwhelmed with the fact that I (am) chosen for all of these honorable experiences,” she said.

“It esteems me to use all of my gifts and talents and give back to my community and serve others.”

Callens is the daughter of Michael Callens and Cassandra Wilson Callens, who grew up in Maplesville’s New Convert community. She is the granddaughter of James T. Wilson and the late Mary Sue (Looney) Wilson of Maplesville and the late Tommy (Jack) and Jerrie Dean Callens of Plantersville.

To follow the 2012 Miss America Pageant, visit www.missamerica.com Jan. 10-14. ABC will televise the top finalists on Jan. 14.