Heather Hopkins, the 12-year-old daughter of Brian and Kimberly Hopkins of Mathews, placed first in the talent competition in the Miss Virginia Pre-Teen category at the National American Miss pageant held on Aug. 8-10 at the Regency Marriott in Reston.

In addition to winning the state talent title, Heather also placed as second runner-up for the Top Model competition and will compete for the national Top Model title and the All American Miss title at nationals to be held in late November in Anaheim, California.

Heather played the piano and sang “Somebody to Love” by Queen. She has been studying with Patrick O. Productions in Mathews for about five years.

“I truly believe Patrick Billups deserves a lot of credit for not only Heather’s piano technique and knowledge of music, but also her love for performing arts,” said her mother Kimberly. “He has always been patient and encouraging, and probably Heather’s biggest fan, besides us.”

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