May 24, 2008

Artesia News

First Indo-American crowned Miss Artesia in historic contest

On May 24th a new Artesia Royal Court was crowned!  Six young ladies will represent the City of Artesia as Miss Artesia, Miss Artesia Teen and their princesses. 

Ayushka Gharib was overjoyed as she was named Miss Artesia 2008, and Chelise Cox was stunned to earn the title of Miss Artesia Teen 2008.  The royal court includes Miss Artesia Princesses Susana Batres, and Marissa Lazalde who was also the winner of “Miss Congeniality”; and the Miss Artesia Teen Princesses Shannon Fitzgerald and Cristal Ibarra.

This year’s theme was Singing in the Rain as the 2008 Contestants and 2007 Royal Court performed a most exciting opening number to begin the evening with umbrellas and all!  The Albert O. Little Community Center was beautifully decorated, and the stage included a cityscape backdrop, star filled sky, and lush greenery topped off with an old fashioned lamppost and even a park bench.  It was delightful to have Mariel Lansang (Miss Artesia 2006) and Jeanette Pineda (Miss Artesia 2006) to return as the MC’s for the event.

The contestants were interviewed buy the judges earlier in the afternoon, prior to taking the stage.  Their next major score would come from an onstage introduction, dressed in their professional business attire.  Each contestant had prepared a short speech introducing themselves and explaining why they want to become the next Miss Artesia or Miss Artesia Teen.

An upbeat Active Wear competition followed, which did not count toward selection of the royal court.  Each contestant entered the stage displaying a range of personal interests; from sporting activities, such as Chelsie Cox as a football player to cultural practices like Ayushka Gharib’s demonstration of an Indian dancer.  Among the most memorable were Susana Batres as a dolphin trainer and Shannon Fitzgerald, a sailor girl wearing a wooden boat.  Yet it was Marissa Lazalde who was awarded “Best Active Wear” for electrifying the crowd with her energetic performance in her Laker Girl outfit. 

Among the audience were city officials and visiting royalty from neighboring cities.  Council Member Victor Manalo took the stage and commended the contestants on their efforts they had displayed so far.  Mayor Pro Tem, Tony Lima, announced that he looks forward to watching the pageant each year.  The 2007 Artesia Royal Court and the Directors were presented with proclamations by a representative for Assembly Member Tony Mendoza.  Special guest Rebekah Negrete, Mrs. International 2007, also spoke encouraging words as she has years of experience competing in local pageants. 

The most glamorous part of the event began with the evening gown competition as each young lady illuminated the runway with her charm and elegance.  An onstage question followed, and each contestant answered with grace under pressure.  It was now time to say farewell to the 2007 Royal Court which included Miss Artesia 2007, Robyn Guggiana, Miss Artesia Teen 2007, Desiree Gonzalez, Miss Artesia Princess Jaquelyn Bencito and Miss Artesia Teen Princess, Emily Gilliland.  Guests enjoyed a video presentation that photographed their journey as city representatives over the past year.  Robyn and Desiree took their final walks down the runway as the current Miss Artesia and Miss Artesia Teen.

The coronation of the 2008 Artesia Royal Court was exciting as ever.  These six young ladies look forward to the months ahead and will attend city events throughout the year.   Each one of them has expressed their gratitude to the City of Artesia for the continued support of the pageant, and they feel it is an honor to be chosen to represent such a great community. 

The Miss Artesia Pageant is directed by Linda Gonzalez and Erin Miranda. For more information, please call (562) 857-3384 or (562) 397-6430.



 

 

 

 

 

 

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