Andalusia’s Ella Kate Nichols spent the last week in Washington, D.C., competing for the Miss Preteen United States title.

Though she didn’t win, she said she had an amazing time and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Nichols, who is a rising seventh grader at Andalusia Junior High School, competed in the Miss Preteen Alabama United States pageant for ages 10-12 in Dothan in February, where she took home the crown.

Her mom, Amy, said the organization has divisions from Little Miss Alabama through Mrs.

“There were seven divisions competing throughout the week,” Amy Nichols said.

The family left Andalusia last Monday and drove to Washington, D.C., where they arrived that night.

“So you can say we were there from Tuesday through Sunday,” Amy Nichols said.

The family set out on a site seeing tour first.

“I liked getting to go to the Arlington Cemetery,” Ella Kate said. “We saw the changing of the guard. I also enjoyed seeing the National Museum of Art.”

Ella Kate participated in pageant rehearsals on Friday and Saturday, with the pageant on Sunday.

Categories included patriotic wear, sportswear, an onstage interview and evening wear.

“I liked getting to do the patriotic wear,” Ella Kate said. “I haven’t done something like that before. I got to walk on the runway.”

“She did well,” Amy Nichols said. “There was some pretty tough competition.”

Ella Kate agreed.

“It was tough,” she said. “But we were all really good friends from hanging out and doing rehearsals. It was fun. I got to meet all the contestants, and I got to meet the girl who won last year. It was fun.”

Ella Kate said she hasn’t decided if she’ll compete in the next division next year.

She’s also active in the Andalusia Ballet.

She’s the daughter of Todd and Amy Nichols.