By Cindy Tyler – Things are going to get “Hot Hot Hot” in Vista on Saturday night as 31 of Vista’s brightest and best young women vie for the scholarships and sparkly crowns that accompany the titles of Miss Vista and Miss Teen Vista 2019. The fiesta begins at 5:30 at Guajome Park Academy when all of the contestants will take to the stage for a salsa dance to “Hot Hot Hot” featuring Jordan Hitchens, Miss Vista 2018 and Camie Parker, Miss Teen Vista 2018. After the opening dance number and introduction of each contestant, it will be time for the competition to begin.
Contestants will compete in four areas: Conversation (held earlier in the day), Sportswear Walk, Gown Walk, and Impromptu Questions. They will also be given an “overall impression” score by each judge. The top scorer in each division (Teen 13-16, Miss 17-26) will be crowned at the end of the evening, along with four runner-up princesses. Together, these ten young women will represent the people of Vista and serve in community service projects throughout San Diego County.
In addition to the glittering tiaras and satin sashes, winners will receive scholarships and a wide variety of prizes that have been donated by local businesses, including Miss Vista’s custom designed diamond ring and Miss Teen Vista’s custom diamond pendant from John Shakarian, Jeweler.
Miss Vista 2019 Contestants
“We are not what most people think of when they hear the word ‘pageant’ and tend to cringe when people call us a ‘beauty’ pageant, explains Laura Bednar, in her 25th year as pageant director. “We focus on teaching young women skills that will empower them for the rest of their lives.”
Miss Teen Vista 2019 Contestants
The pageant teaches job interview and public speaking skills which translates to confidence and positive self-promotion when the young women learn how to be their best selves. “We want girls to realize that anyone can sign up to be in our pageant, they don’t need to look like the pageant queens they see on TV,” Bednar explains, “We work with each one individually to help her come out of her comfort zone a little and realize her true value. In the end, we hope that even those who don’t leave with a crown have learned and grown and take with them something of great worth.”
Freddy Ramirez, who recently completed his reign as Mr. Vista 2018, will be the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets are $12, available at the door. For more information about the Miss Vista, Miss Teen Vista, or Mr. Vista pageants, visit missvista.org or contact Laura Bednar at 760 518-4220.
