Brooklyn Lowery, 17, is a young lady with many interests and an ambitious plan for her future.

Recently she was selected to represent Stanislaus County in the Miss California Teen USA pageant in Long Beach this upcoming January, where she plans to speak about one her most passionate subjects — agriculture.

A four-year member in the Turlock High School FFA and an assistant at Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital she is exploring a career in animal sciences. Next year she will be enrolling in Modesto Junior College to study animal nutrition.

Her platform at the Miss California pageant, which features a focus on interviews and community service activities, will be saving state funding for Ag education.

For the past six years, Brooklyn has been a runway and print model and, recently, her mother Carrie Lowery encouraged her to explore the pageant lifestyle.

“The pageant will give me a chance to improve my confidence in public speaking and also it will provide an opportunity for me to draw attention to my foundation, Brooklyn’s Bridge of Animals,” Brooklyn said.

Her foundation, which she started when she was just 12 years old, raises money to donate animal food to local animal shelters. Recently, Brooklyn says, the foundation has slowed down but with the pageant she hopes to renew her efforts and people’s interest.

Aside from her ag interest she pursues efforts to improve the lives of others youth through her Instagram page, U_are_more, where she shares uplifting and educational posts about anti-bullying to followers.

“It’s my goal to make somebody smile every day and to raise awareness about bullying problems,” said Brooklyn.

At the Miss California Teen USA pageant Brooklyn will be judged in three areas of competition, including an interview, swimsuit and evening gown. Judging criteria will include personality, character, poise and confidence.

Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital Owner Rob Santos gave her high praise.

“She’s a really positive, hard working young person,” he said.