KaLynn Alley isn't the typical young woman one might expect to win Miss Lane County.

In fact, the county pageant was her first.

"My kind of introduction was the Strawberry Festival," Alley said. "I was queen in 2007, so it gave me a starting point, teaching me to walk in dresses and answer impromptu questions."

Alley grew up in Lebanon, graduating from Lebanon High School in 2007.

She found it easy to get involved in the Lebanon community, which she said helped her prepare for Miss Lane County.

As Miss Lane County, Alley has enjoyed the number of people she has met who are doing "really great things in and around Linn County."

"In the program, there are a lot of great girls who have worked hard on their platform and have been really involved in their community," she said.

Alley's experience in the Miss America program has been positive, she said.

"It's not just a beauty contest," Alley said. "If you're passionate about your community, there's no reason you can't participate in the Miss America program."

Out of the five categories, she said talent is judged at 35 percent.

The other four categories are: Personal interview, impromptu question, evening gown, and lifestyle and fitness in a swimsuit.

To aspiring Miss Oregon contestants, Alley said, "Just give it your all."

"You can work hard and learn the ropes, but don't be afraid or intimidated," she said. "There's a lot of girls who have been competing in pageants since they were young. But if you go in with a great attitude you can really surprise yourself."

Her accomplishments so far haven't come easy, but she said she has come out as a better person.

"It's a tough competition, especially at Miss Oregon," Alley said. "So make sure you're working on your talent and are really involved in your platform already."

Since becoming Miss Lane County, and preparing for Miss Oregon, she has noticed her interview skills have improved, she's a better public speaker and she carries herself better, she said.

Lane County has been very supportive of her, Alley said.

"My platform is cancer research and patient support," she said. "We're fortunate to have one of the main offices in the south Willamette Valley, so they've given me a lot of support representing them."

Alley, who has just finished her sophomore year at University of Oregon, is working on a double major and a double minor.

After completing her degree, she hopes to earn a master's in public administration and a law degree.

Alley hopes to work in corporate management consulting, which is working with large companies and their relationships with communities and city governments.

Through Miss Lane County, Alley received a total $600 scholarship for college: $500 for winning the pageant and $100 for best interview.

Should she win Miss Oregon, she will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Other awards are available in various competitions such as overall scores, volunteerism, community service, best GPA and raising the most money for the Children's Miracle Network, the platform on a national level for the Miss America program.

The Miss Oregon competition is today through Saturday, July 11, in Seaside.

Twenty-four young women will compete for Miss Oregon, with 15 girls competing for the Outstanding Teen title.

The top 10 will compete on July 11, and winners will be announced that evening.

Tickets may be purchased at the convention center and run from $26 a night to $100 for a four-night package.Prices do not include hotel accommodation.

All money from ticket sales goes toward production costs and scholarship awards.

To donate to the Children's Miracle Network, go to MissAmerica4kids.org.

Donations in Alley's name will go toward her total fundraising.

As part the competition, contestants must raise a minimum of $500 for the network in the state pageant, and $250 for the county pageants.

Donations to Alley may be sent to kalynnalley@yahoo.com, where she has a PayPal account set up. Donations to Alley help with her platform and paying expenses such as dresses, travel and hotel.