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Wanted: Ambassador to Ramona
By Tracy Rolling
 | | Miss Ramona contestants are, from left, Rachel McAllister, Lynsi Tuiofu, Lindsey McNerney, Miss Ramona 2007 Kelly Haynes, Amber Patterson, Amanda Manke and Audrey Blaszcak.
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Janelle Castrejon, Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant Director, tells how this year the judges will have a tough decision to make.
"I've been impressed with every single contestant," says Castrejon. "All of the girls have a ton of heart and are so amazing."
Castrejon, the pageant director for the past six years, says style, poise and grace may be important but, "The event is really an interview to find the right candidate to act as an Ambassador to Ramona."
Miss Ramona is responsible for attending Ramona Chamber Mixers, the Ramona Rodeo, the Ramona Fair, and other local events, including the annual Mother Goose Parade.
Eight contestants between the ages of 17 and 25 will be judged in various categories, including an interview on stage, evening wear, an impromptu question, and poise and personality.
"It's a long day," says Castrejon. Five out-of-town judges will be looking for the contestant whose appearance and personality can remain polished throughout.
Castrejon, a former pageant winner, says "Last year's queen, Kelly Haynes, has really stepped it up to a whole new level.
"Kelly has taken the title very seriously, and we hope she'll stay involved."
Haynes has already signed up to participate in the Ramona 24-hour Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society event, where community members form teams to raise money to find a cure.
The pageant theme this year is Hollywood.
Besides vying for the title and crown, the queen will receive a $1,500 cash scholarship that can be applied towards any approved college or vocational program.
In addition, she will receive a "queen's package," loaded with beauty supplies and a beautiful ring, compliments of Jewelry World and Loan in Ramona. The first and second runner-up will receive a pair of earrings, compliments of Jewelry World and Loan.
Throughout the pageant's history, the scholarship amount has varied. This year, the new scholarship amount will be $1,500, due to overwhelming support from the community.
Castrejon says, "There are so many contributors, it's hard to name them all." She is appreciative of each and everyone.
Sponsorships, coupled with ticket sales and a raffle held on the evening of the pageant, provide enough funds to cover the cost of renting the hall, a rehearsal dinner, $150 available to each contestant toward the purchase of sportswear, and other fees associated with the pageant.
Castrejon admits she couldn't do it alone, and gives thanks to Stephanie Norvell, Chief of Judges, who, in addition to hosting the judges, has helped coordinate raffle prizes and local donations.
Delanena Cronin is responsible for approving the girls' on-stage attire, and Chris Anderson of Town and Country Reality has been a major sponsor and supporter.
Anderson is running the stage on the evening of the event and has helped at virtually every rehearsal.
Says Castrejon, "Because Chris has been a judge at other area pageants, she can lend tons of insight to the girls."
The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Charles R. Nunn Performing Arts Center at Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln. Seating is limited, so the public is encouraged to purchase tickets in advance by calling Caryn Castrejon at 760-788-8020. Tickets are $12 each and will be sold at the door.
The winner will be announced at the end of the event. Donations and raffle contributions are stillbeing accepted. Please call 760-789-7525 for more information.
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