Ashleigh Schulte
Crowned Miss Ramona 2006
Doing a dance to these Boots are Made for Walking.
Photos by Tiffany Watkins

Ramona royalty, from left, Katie Mason, second runner up, winner Miss Ramona 2006 Ashleigh Schulte, and first runner up Lauren Cheney.

By Tiffany Watkins

The dream of being crowned the 2006 Miss Ramona became a reality for Ashleigh Schulte, at the Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant 2006, held on April 29 in the Charles R. Nunn Performing Arts Center at Olive Peirce Middle School.

"I have strived to be all I can be," Ashleigh said. "I have all the qualities of an All-American girl."

Ashleigh, a senior at Ramona High School and sponsored by Caryn Castrejon, won several awards at the end of the evening, including a crown and banner, $1,000 scholarship, customized ring, cedar hope chest, Tiffany signature bracelet, professional teeth whitening, professional photo session, $350 service package to Main Street Auto, six- month membership and tote bag to Silhouette Studio for Women, $250 makeup consultation, $200 digital camera, $200 and Nordstrom gift certificates, autograph card photo session, two months tanning and $50 gift certificate, crown box and gift, $50 gas card, gift basket, car vacuum, three tanning visits, spa pedicure, manicure, $25 Mobile gas card, autograph pads, flower bouquet and several cash prizes and gift certificates..

Lauren Cheney, also a senior at Ramona High School and sponsored by John Scott Roofing, was first runner-up.She said that living in Ramona has helped her gain a positive outlook on life.

"I am excited for what the future holds for me," she said

Lauren's awards include the princess crown and banner, $300 scholarship, Tiffany necklace, custom earrings and flower bouquet.

Katie Mason, another senior at Ramona High School, was named second runner-up.

"Integrity and hard work will enable me to do anything," she said.

Katie also won the Miss Congeniality title. She was sponsored by Ramona Disposal and her awards include a princess crown, $200 scholarship, Tiffany necklace, custom earrings, flower bouquet and gift basket.

"This young lady stood out," said pageant director Janelle Castrejon, as she gave Roxana Cuevas, a student at Palomar College, the Director's Award.Cuevas' motto is "Never judge a book by its cover."

Other award winners were Sara Barnat, a senior at Ramona High School, sponsored by Piva Equipment Rental, who won the essay portion of the contest and received a $100 cash gift; Justine Celaya, a senior at Ramona High School, sponsored by Scott Norton, Realtor, won the spirit award. She also raised the most money for the Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant.

"It's not a beauty pageant, it's a scholarship opportunity," Castrejon said.

Other contestants in the 2006 Miss Ramona Pageant include: Ashley McNelis, a senior at Ramona High School sponsored by Angel Rosson at Town & Country Reality; Dayna Murphy, a senior at Ramona High School sponsored by Eiler Tire & Brake; Carleen Highley, a senior at Ramona High School, sponsored by Ramona Pharmacy; and Brianna Ryan, a Palomar College student, first year. sponsored by Ramona/Julian Academy of Dance.

"It's been an amazing opportunity and I've had so much fun," said Alisa Hansen, the 2005 Miss Ramona as she gave her farewell speech.