Meet Miss Congeniality herself, Bri Amidei. She’s grown up in the pageant world, which has given her a leg up on the competition when it comes to public speaking and a liking for community service. In eighth grade, Bri fractured her spine in cheerleading practice, leaving her with a full torso brace she had to sport her entire preteen year; knowing Bri, she probably absolutely rocked it. Off stage, Bri loves hanging out with her 2-year-old nephew, who she just can’t get enough of.

This summer, Bri lived her dream as a participant in the Disney College Program — no word yet on if she got to hang with Mickey. She also serves as the treasurer for the American Advertising Federation and holds the position of social media and marketing director for the Vernon Hills Pageant.