Somerton will stage inaugural scholarship pageant for local girls
Introduction event set for July 4
SOMERTON — Girls living here have a chance to earn college money as contestants in the first-ever Miss Somerton Scholarship Pageant.
Contestants will compete for the titles of Princess, Outstanding Teen and Miss Somerton in the inaugural event staged by the city of Somerton.
“We want to have a group (of girls) who represent Somerton, who participate in public events, and at the same time will motivate other girls and youngsters to get involved in the community and pursue their goals,” said Angelica Roldan, Somerton’s special events coordinator.
“Almost a month ago, we put out the first publicity for Miss Somerton, and we’ve gotten back great comments,” she added. “We’re seeing that people like the idea. We want this pageant to become a tradition, one that’s done every year. And it’s really significant that we’re starting this in the same year of the city’s centennial.”
Beginning Monday, girls living in Somerton can register online at somertonaz.recdesk.com. Eligible are girls between the ages of 6 and 18 who live in Somerton.
Registration will continue for a month, with the field of candidates narrowed down in the first round of a selection process that will lead to the eventual crowning later in the year of three winners.
Contestants will be picked to move beyond the first round based on their community involvement and on the quality of essays they write explaining why they are seeking the crowns.
“What we want to make clear is that this is not specifically a beauty pageant,” Roldan said. “We want the winners to be good representatives of Somerton, so we’re looking for participants with commitment and leadership abilities.”
Those who make it past the first round will be introduced to the public during Somerton’s 4th of July celebration.
While registration is taking place, organizers will be finalizing the calendar of pageant events later this year, Roldan said.
Winners in the three categories will receive scholarships as well as coupons for use at Somerton businesses.
For more information about the pageant, prospective contestants can contact Roldan by email at angelicaroldan@somertonaz.gov.