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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa plays host the Iowa Junior Miss program again this year.

All this week, 13 high school seniors from across the state have gathered to prepare for the final competition tomorrow night.

In addition to the competition and trying to earn a scholarship, the girls have heard a number of speakers over careers as women and as college.

The girls went into local grade schools to talk to children about being their best self.

 “It’s just a great program in the fact that they’re not being judged on anything but themselves and there is no beauty attached to it,” said Iowa Junior Miss Chairman Joyce Sanchez.

On Friday, they visited a local nursing home practicing their talent routine and bringing smiles to the residents’ faces.

“It gives them a chance to work on speaking; it gives them a chance to do their talent before they perfume it on stage.  Plus, we like to get them out into the community to intermingle and raise awareness of the program,” Sanchez said.

The five categories are composed of scholastic, interview, fitness, talent, and presence and composure.

The overall winner receives a $1,500 cash scholarship. There are a number of additional scholarships to be won throughout the competition.

The winner additionally advances onto the America's Junior Miss Program where they will proudly represent Iowa.

The final competition, which includes the fitness, talent, and presence and composure sections of the program, begins at 7:00 Saturday evening at the Bridgeview Center.