RANCHO PENASQUITOS – Arianna Afsar is expanding her wardrobe and her world view.

After spending her childhood singing and performing in pageants and parades and at community events, the Mesa Verde Middle School student is advancing to one of the most prestigious statewide competitions for girls her age: the Miss California's Outstanding Teen Competition, a precursor to Miss America's Outstanding Teen Competition.

AdvertisementArianna was crowned Miss Outstanding Teen San Diego in February, after competing against eight other girls. That qualified her for the state competition in June.

The Miss California's Outstanding Teen Competition, for ages 13 to 17, rewards scholastic achievement, communication skills, talent and community service. The competition is affiliated with the Miss America pageant.

Forty percent of contest points are based on an eight-minute interview, during which academic aptitude, career goals, hobbies, interests and extracurricular activities are assessed.

"I thought the interview was the most important part," said Arianna, 13, speaking about the San Diego competition. "They really look for education in the young women and not just beauty."

Arianna said her favorite subject is math, in which she takes advanced courses.

"I like my brain thinking and problem solving," she said. "I like a challenge."

Arianna got her start as a singer at age 6, while visiting a karaoke restaurant in Florida, said her mother, Karin Schumacher.

Her theatrical roles have included Cindy Lou Who in the Old Globe production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" and Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz." She has twice sung the national anthem at San Diego Padres games.

Arianna is involved in a leadership program at school called Students Supporting Students. The young leaders help plan and organize student events while serving as character models for their peers. As part of the elective course, Arianna organized student talent for a staff appreciation luncheon at Mesa Verde.

"Arianna is a very kind and sweet girl who also knows how to take charge," said teacher Liz Kruth. "She understands that she is talented, but yet is willing to take a step back and not be boastful. I think that shows what a leader she is."

Arianna's primary passion is singing. She prefers jazz and her repertoire includes close to 100 songs.

"I definitely want to make an impact on the world with my voice," she said.

In addition to demonstrating their talents, contestants for the Miss California Outstanding Teen pageant will be judged on lifestyle and fitness, an on-stage question in casual wear, and appearance and poise while in evening wear.

To prepare for the competition in June, Arianna is poring over news broadcasts to keep abreast of current events. She also is working at a local dance studio to perfect her poise and posture.

She will attend a two-day pageant orientation in Fresno at the end of April. Contestants will be briefed about the pageant and rehearse a joint opening number.

"There's a camaraderie that they're building so that people know this is not just cut-throat," her mother said. "They'll be meeting in a spirit of fair play."

Asked what the secret to her daughter's success is, Schumacher said, "She doesn't let anybody see her sweat.

"The one thing that helps keep her grounded is that she hasn't won everything."

Arianna's father, Muhammad Afsar, has worked for the past 12 years to help his siblings emigrate to the United States from his native Bangladesh. Arianna has visited the country several times.

"I really think it opens your eyes," Schumacher said. "As much success as she has had, it's been tempered by the fact that it's not like that for everybody."