Kimberly Massaro, Miss Missouri 1996, came back to Jackson Friday to sign autographs and visit with her special friends in Jackson.

Massaro represented Jackson in the 1993, 1995 and 1996 Miss Missouri pageants.

She was crowned on June 8 and will represent Missouri at the Miss America Scholarship Pageant, which will be televised on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.

Massaro signed autographs at the JAckson Chamber of Commerce Building in the Community Room from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

She is an honors graduate from the University of Missouri with a degree in elementary special education.

After her reign as Miss Missouri ends she plans to find a teaching position that will enable her to use her specialty in learning disabilities.

That may be put on hold if she wins the Miss America crown.

Her community service platform for the pageants is focusing attention on children with learning disorders especially Attention Deficit Disorder, and how these disabilities can affect the family unit and the importance of early intervention.