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C.J. Bina had been there before: on stage with a group of other girls, after a long program of performances and questions, awaiting the announcement of who will represent the state as the Wisconsin Junior National Teenager.

She had come so close the other times — being runner-up in 2006 and 2007 — and this was the last year she could compete in the junior division. She was anxious, yes, but she was also excited.

But when they called her name and placed the crown upon her head, Bina was beyond emotions.

“I just didn’t know what I was feeling,” said Bina, 15, a freshman at West Salem High School. “I was in awe. I was kind of speechless.”

On April 13, Bina was crowed Junior National Teenager at the 38th annual Wisconsin National Teenager Scholarship Program, held in Milwaukee. Bina, along with newly crowned Wisconsin National Teenager Paige Domurat, of Muskego, will represent the state at the national competition in July in Nashville, Tenn.

Bina has been involved in pageant programs for about seven years, and this was the third year she has entered the Wisconsin National Teenager Scholarship Program, which is divided into a junior and senior division. Bina was among seven contestants in the junior division.

Bina has done better each year she has entered, taking runner-up the last two years. Last year she also was named Miss Congeniality and was crowed Miss Wisconsin Junior Sweetheart, where she represented the state with that title at nationals.

Contestants are judged in a number of areas, including: scholastic achievement and leadership; volunteerism; poise: personality; interviewing; communication; and prestige on stage. Bina also took part in the optional speech and supermodel competitions.

One area were Bina especially shined was volunteerism, and she won the community service award. Bina is active in 4-H, the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club, the La Crosse Interstate Fair, church and organizing a reunion for World War II veterans of the 391st Army Artillery Unit; all told she has over 740 hours of community service.

Lori Francis, the community relations coordinator for the Onalaska ACS office, said Bina is a very mature young lady. She has helped plan West Salem Relay for Life events, in addition to being a team captain, and she has spoken at opening Relay for Life ceremonies.

“I think having somebody that is as young as her trying to make a difference is pretty commendable for somebody her age,” Francis said. “She’s just a real role model and a leader. I think it’ll help her in the future having these experiences.”

Bina is also active in basketball, volleyball, track, softball, swimming and band. Needless to say, she leads a very active life.

“I think it’s a lot of fun,” Bina said. “I like being busy all the time. I really don’t know what keeps me going — I guess I just like it.”

For Bina’s speech, she chose to talk about drugs and alcohol and not being influenced by peer pressure. She said it’s a temptation many teenagers face, but she, herself, made a pledge five years ago to not drink or do drugs and she hopes she can pass that along to others.

“I think it’s the biggest thing facing teens today,” said Bina, who also won the essay competition and was awarded the Samantha Jankins Performing Arts Award.

Bina’s mom, Doreen, was at the crowning ceremony and said she is very proud of her daughter. Doreen said her advice to C.J. was for her to just do her best, but it was hard for her to prepare for her daughter winning the crown.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” Doreen said.

And the rest of the family — father Steve and siblings Saphra, 13, and Christopher, 25 — were just has happy.

C.J. says the pageant experience has taught her a great deal — such as self-confidence and speaking in public — and it has set a foundation for her future. Among prizes she’s won include scholarships to Eckerd College in Florida, Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma, the University of Charleston in West Virginia and Southern Wesleyan in South Carolina.

“I know there’s a lot of opportunities after being in this program,” C.J. said.

Doreen agreed, noting C.J. has learned the value of volunteering through the pageants.

“The strongest thing that they support is community service, and she should be able to continuously serve her community,” Doreen said.

As Wisconsin Junior National Teenager, C.J. will have a busy summer making appearances at events and parades as well as getting ready for the national competition held July 19-27. Oh, and she’ll be taking driving lessons as well this summer.

“I’m really excited,” Bina said. “I’ll be busy, but it’ll be fun.”