Local teen headed to national pageant

KENDALLVILLE, Ind. (WANE) -- Family and friends gathered Sunday to wish a Kendallville teen well as she prepares to leave for Orlando, where she'll be competing for the title of Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012 .

Brooke Campbell, a senior at East Noble High School , won the title of Miss Indiana's Outstanding Teen a little over a month ago, after winning the title of Miss Limberlost Outstanding Teen last summer.

On Sunday, a police escort brought Campbell to the TC Dance Academy for her sendoff celebration, where the sight of all her family and friends was almost too much for her to handle.

"Today is really exciting, and that's why I kind of got choked up when I came in," said Campbell. "Just seeing all these people here supporting me is just really exciting."

Brooke will leave for Orlando on Friday, where she'll go through daily rehearsals with other competitors from across the country. They'll then have preliminary competitions the following Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with finals night taking place Saturday.

A majority of the girls' score will come from the private interview and talent competition, where Brooke will be singing and tap dancing. They'll also have to answer a question on stage while in their evening gown, and perform a fitness routine in active wear.

But while her sendoff party had Campbell emotional, she still felt confident about her chances next week.

"I think I have about as good (a chance) as anyone does, I'd like to think that anyway."