A Waltham teen and dairy princess is a finalist for this year’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Nicole Jax, 19, representing Mower County and daughter of Doug and Becky Jax, was among the 12 young women from dairy farm backgrounds selected at the conclusion of a three-day event for county dairy princesses held in St. Joseph. Each of the 12 will be sculpted in butter during the 2013 Minnesota State Fair. Princess Kay is crowned each year the night before the State Fair opens.

The other finalists include Katelyn Blackwelder, Katie Buckentine, Johanna Knorr, Alydia Lee, MarJenna McWilliam, Libby Mills, Eryn Orth, Ashley Overman, Sarah Paskewitz, Rachael Rostad and Katie Schmitt.

Princess Kay serves as the official goodwill ambassador for the state’s dairy farmers, and makes appearances to help explain their commitment to taking care of the animals and resources while providing wholesome, nutritious and affordable dairy products. Midwest Dairy Association manages the program.