Miss Julian and Teen Miss Julian 2007
There are Two New Queens in Town!
By Amber Ward

Casey Peyakov Miss Julian 2007

Casey Peyakov has been crowned Miss Julian 2007. Casey Clay Peyakov has lived in Julian all her life and her family has been in Julian for five generations. Casey will be a senior this year at Julian High School and is very actively involved in school and the community. She is currently Captain of the Explorer Team at the Julian Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of 4H, ASB and the Spanish Club. Casey also enjoys off-roading and snow boarding in her free time. Casey aspires to be a full-time medic with the California Department of Forestry, and plans to attend college right out of high school to get her EMT Certification.

When Casey was asked why she decided to compete for the Miss Julian title, she proudly replied that she comes from several generations of Apple Day Queens. "My aunt and my mom both ran for Apple Days queens. It's like having three generations run for Miss Julian!"

Casey looks forward to her reign as Miss Julian and is eager to participate in the Breast Cancer Awareness walks. She is also looking forward to representing Julian in the several parades that take place throughout San Diego County during the year.

Leah Keane Miss Teen Julian 2007

Leah Keane is Teen Miss Julian 2007. Leah Marie Keane has lived in Julian for four years and will be a freshman at Julian High School this year. Leah loves horseback riding, cooking, her 11-year-old brother and simply being outdoors. After graduating high school, Leah plans to attend college and major in either Literature or Drama. She entered the pageant on a whim for the experience and to practice her interview skills.

Leah is also looking forward to making appearances as Teen Miss Julian, and is proud to be representing Julian in the several parades the girls will be attending during the year. Leah is especially excited about being in Julian's own Fourth of July parade. Leah wants to thank "everybody for all their hard work and effort they put into this year's pageant."

The sixth annual Miss Julian Scholarship Pageant and the second annual Teen Miss Julian Pageant were held at the Julian Town Hall on June 16. Miss Julian and Teen Miss Julian are representatives of the Julian community, and serve as youth ambassadors. They work very hard during their reign making appearances at local events and at events throughout San Diego County. Some of the most notable events include the Annual East County Boys and Girls Clubs' Fundraiser at the Hotel Del, the San Diego County Fair and the Mother Goose Parade. The Miss Julian Pageant is also very active in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Both Miss Julian and Teen Miss Julian will participate in fund raising events supporting these causes.

Left to Right: Daniella Retz, Teen Miss Julian First Princess; Leah Keane, Teen Miss Julian 2007; Casey Peyakov, Miss Julian 2007; and Brianna Bustillos, Miss Julian First Princess. Photos by Amber Ward

This year there were four Miss Julian contestants; Caitlin Boyer, Brianna Bustillos, Monica Lares and Casey Peyakov. There were nine contestants competing for the Teen Miss Julian title; Alicia Esquivel, Starrla Feldmann, Leah Keane, Sophia Keel, Amanda Kendall, Shanice Quijano, Daniella Retz, Leah Sexton and Katlyn Sharron.

Shaunae Bullock, Teen Miss Julian 2006; Eireann Hutchionson, Miss Julian 2005; Katie Petersen, Miss Julian 2002; Daniella Retz, Teen Miss Julian First Princess 2006-2007; Leah Keane, Teen Miss Julian 2007; Jill Ogilvie, Miss Julian Pageant Director; Casey Peyakov, Miss Julian 2007; Brianna Bustillos, Miss Julian First Princess 2007; Katie Olsen, Miss Julian 2006; Rebecca Thomas, Miss Julian 2004; and not shown, Amber Ward, Miss Julian 2003.

The Miss Julian program has been very successful for the past six years and it would not be possible without the contributions of individual time, but also community support. The Miss Julian Scholarship Pageant directors said that "a thank you is in order for all those in the community that have continually shown support for the pageant, and a special thanks to those who also supported the young ladies that vied for the 2007 Miss Julian and Teen Miss Julian crowns."

At this year's pageant Jill Ogilvie regretfully announced that this would be her last year serving as the pageant's Director. She, and the entire program, is hoping that a local committee can be formed that is willing take over the pageant so that the there can be future Miss Julians to come. Ogilvie is willing to continue serving the Miss Julian program as an advisor and liaison for the future queens; she refuses to "just walk away from the program. It is my hope that someone will come forward and take over the pageant, keeping the program alive for future young ladies."

Miss Julian Contestants: Monica Lares, Casey Peyakov, Caitlin Boyer and Brianna Bustillos.

Teen Miss Julian Contestants: Shanice Quijano, Leah Sexton, Daniella Retz, Alicia Esquivel, Sophia Keel, Katlyn Sharron, Leah Keane, Starrla Feldmann and Amanda Kendall.