By Marie Mulvenna

Attractive teenager, Caryn Leninger, an eighth grader at Sts. Peter and Paul school in Decatur, has been selected as a state finalist in the "Miss Georgia Teen-Ager Pageant," slated to be held in Macon during March.

Caryn, 13, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Leninger, is active in numerous school activities, and is captain of the cheerleaders at Sts. Peter and Paul, a member of the concert choir, the cafeteria commission and the school's safety patrol. Caryn received the "Miss Spirit" award from her fellow cheerleaders at their recent banquet.

In keeping with the pageant theme of "America," Caryn has written a 100 word essay entitled "What's Right About America." Each finalist must recite their essay at the pageant and will be judged on delivery as well as content, with the winner receiving a scholarship. In addition to the essay, all finalists must memorize a song which they will sing together during the pageant program. The title of the song is "We've Got a Lot to be Proud of in America."

Ms. Sybil Shaffer of Atlanta is national director of both the state competition and the national "Miss American Teen-Ager" which will be held in Atlanta in August.

Other highlights of the Macon judging, which will be held at the Macon Hilton on March 7, 8 and 9, include competition for Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and a citizenship award. Winners of these categories will receive trophies. More than 60 contestants from throughout the state will compete in the Macon finals. A large contingent of young people from Sts. Peter and Paul are already planning the Macon trip to cheer Caryn on to victory.

Caryn will represent the city of Decatur in the pageant and was sponsored in the competition by "Tickle Your Fancy Fashions." In order to participate in the program, each contestant must meet stiff scholastic achievement, maintaining a B plus or better average. The winners and runners up in the pageant will receive scholarships.

Other than hoping to capture the state honors in March, Caryn has her sights set on a career as either a pediatrician or veterinarian, fulfilling her lifetime love of children and animals.

She plans to attend St. Pius X High School next year, where her brother Jay is presently a sophomore.