PULLMAN - 22 girls from across the state of Washington are in Pullman preparing for the 52nd annual Junior Miss competition.

Girls from the local area who have been in Pullman all week prepping for Saturday evening admit to sharing many common interests, but say they all got involved in Junior Miss for different reasons.

"The local program was talked about at school, so I joined in, and my sister did it too, so it's a good experience," said Pullman contestant Niina Al-hassan.

"I wasn't going to do Junior Miss actually, I got kind of pressured into it," said Colton contestant Kelsey Moser.

"I've been watching the program in my hometown since I was young," said Colfax contestant Heather Harder. "The first time I saw all the girls on stage in their pretty dresses, I decided that I wanted to do this. So I've always known that I want to participate, but I never knew how far I'd make it."

The competition features everything from fitness to interviews. But most said they’re excited to take the stage and show off during the talent portion.

"I like the talent because it's a way to show how unique we each are," said Harder. "I tap dance so I love to perform and really let me personality shine on stage."

"I am giving in inspirational speech, it's on the five ways you can make a difference," said Moser.

And while winning some of the $8,000 worth of scholarship money would be nice, the memories are what the girls will have forever.

"I'm not really focusing on winning that much," said Clarkston contestant Lara Roche. "I think whatever I get out of this is going to be something that's wonderful and wouldn't have had otherwise. And that's what I'm really focusing on."

The finals get underway Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in the Beasley Coliseum. Seats are $18 and are available through www.ticketswest.com.