A young Burlington woman is headed to the Miss USA pageant soon and we wish her the best of luck.

Bring home the crown Samantha Redding.

Reading today’s Prairie Profile about Redding would make anyone want to vote for her; so mature for her age, so committed to others, humble. Burlington is lucky to have her.

And so are we, because she is representing the entire state — something she is well aware of.

“I hope to bring it home to North Dakota just because I’m so proud of my state that’s raised me to be who I am. I really just want to be a voice for people who don’t have one or may not know how to use theirs yet,” she said.

What we also like about Redding is that she is no quitter. She ran for the state title several times and came up short. Try keep a winning smile on your face after that kind of dissappointment. Yes, this young woman will represent us well.

Shyanne Belzer, our reporter who wrote today’s Prairie Profile, pointed out another interesting fact about Redding. “Redding has gotten to where she is because she decided to step out of her comfort zone and try something new …”

That takes takes bravery — getting up before a crowd of strangers to be judged in so many ways. That takes guts, something pageant contestants aren’t given credit for often enough.

May 2 is the big day for Redding and those who know and admire her. We’ll be watching and cheering for her as will, hopefully, all North Dakotans.