Miss Virginia Organization is launching its first-ever Outstanding Women of Achievement Award, which will be sponsored by GEICO and presented during the 2012 Miss Virginia Pageant on June 28-30 in Roanoke, Va.

The organization is seeking non-pageant women, ages 25 and up, who reside and volunteer in the state of Virginia. Nominees must demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteering and community service that affects others in a positive way.

“One of the four points of the Miss Virginia and Miss America crowns represents community service,” said Harlen Gudger, executive director of the Miss Virginia Organization. “We feel it’s important to reach out and honor a lady outside our group who exemplifies this important aspect of the Miss America Organization.”

The winner will receive complimentary tickets and hotel accommodations to the GEICO-sponsored Miss Virginia pageant at the Roanoke Civic Center. She will also be recognized during the pageant’s telecast on June 30. Nominations will be accepted until June 15.

“The Miss America Organization had given a national award, similar to the Women of Achievement Award, for many years,” said Mark Schreier, director of marketing and production for the Miss Virginia pageant. “Past national winners included former first ladies, Barbara Bush and Hillary Clinton, as well as well-known actress Sharon Stone. This award is one of the many ways we show our support and respect for volunteerism taking place outside of the pageant area.”

To download and fill out the application for submission, visit the pageant’s website at missva.com / Pageant 2012.

– Submitted by Mark Schreier, Miss Virginia Scholarship Program