Applications are being accepted for single girls, ages 13 to 18, to participate in the Miss Teen Lampasas County contest set March 20-22 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.

The young woman selected as Miss Teen Lampasas County will become an ambassador from the Lampasas County area and receive an official title and sash.

Miss Teen Texas receives a scholarship and prize package valued at over $15,000, and the opportunity to represent Texas at the 2009 Miss Teen International Pageant.

The American Heart Association is the official charity of the Miss Teen Texas International Pageant. In 2008, the international pageants joined the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, and each state titleholder will champion heart disease as a national platform in addition to promoting their own platform throughout the year.

Women work collectively through the Go Red for Women movement to wipe out heart disease -- the number-one killer of women.

While one in 30 American women die of breast cancer, almost one in three will die from cardiovascular disease.

Teen contestants will compete in personal interview, fitness wear, fun fashion wear and evening gown. There is no swimsuit competition, and no experience is necessary. To apply, request a biography form from Miss Teen Texas, International Pageant, 14427 Brookhollow, Suite 197, San Antonio, TX 78232, or phone (210) 403-0589. Applications also are available online at www.missteentexasinternational.com.