Bailey Pretak was crowned the International United Miss Pennsylvania Ms. on Oct. 28 and will represent the state at the international pageant this month at the Stockton Seaview Resort in Galloway, N.J.

Pretak has been actively involved in the local community for years. She is a dance teacher at both April School of Dance in St. Marys and Studio K in Kane, and an employee of CNB Bank in Ridgway. She leads the dance ministry Beautiful Feet, too.

Recently, people might have seen her face on a billboard on top of Boot Jack. Her platform is called “Uniquely YOU,” which teaches people how to overcome insecurity and become confident in who they are. She has been a motivational speaker at all three public schools in Elk County.

The lessons she shares are based on what she learned growing up different with a rare skin disorder called lamellar ichthyosis. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types).

When she’s not teaching dance, she can be found performing or traveling.

International United Miss is a scholarship-style pageant system dedicated to the girls and women who represent it. The competition looks at the

The directors along with their staff have worked diligently to create a pageant organization that considers the accomplishments its participants have achieved both on and off the pageant stage. Beauty is not only on the outside, but the inside as well, which is why their system includes a look at the personal judges’ interview, community service and involvement, as well as poise and personality during on-stage competitions.

Pretak will compete at the international competition July 14-19. For more information, visit the pageant’s website at www.internationalunitedmiss.com.