The pageant contestants are divided into three categories, from the oldest of the young ladies to the youngest: Miss Compton, Miss Teen Compton, and Miss Jr. Teen Compton respectively. They started off the day by walking the runway and introducing themselves. Then the young ladies participated in the various competitions: sportswear, swimsuit, evening gown, questions & answers, and then a final walk; all done by category.
This is the first beauty pageant that I have covered in its entirety…..and I can truly say that it was a well organized event, and I was impressed with the contestants beauty (inside and out), stage presence, speaking ability, outfits, and definitely their stated causes that they want to work on to help make Compton (and surrounding areas) a better place to live and work. At one point during the day I could not hold back tears because of what was said by a contestant, and she reminded me of the fact that there are a lot of great people in Compton who are doing positive things each and every day.
Before I get to the title winners I want to thank the elected officials who came out. Mayor Jim Dear of Carson for sponsoring the event in his city, Mayor Aja Brown of Compton for supporting the young ladies representing her City, Senator Roderick Wright, Congresswoman Janice Hahn (Dist. Rep. Michelle Chambers), Carson City Councilman, Mike Gipson, CUSD Board members, Margie Garrett (served as a judge), Emma Sharif (presented community service award), and Mae Thomas.
Winner(s) of Miss Compton, Cheyenne Brown, Miss Teen Compton, Latiara Roberts, Miss Jr. Teen Compton, Brandy Johnson. Congratulations ladies! But these young ladies had some tough competition, and here they are: Miss Compton 1st runner up, Ci’Erra Evans, 2nd runner up, Janessa Danyelle. Miss Teen Compton 1st runner up, Success Carter, 2nd runner up, Kimberly Plascensia. Miss Jr. Teen Compton 1st runner up, Milady Duarte, 2nd runner up, Shaterra Jones. Congratulations runner-ups!
Other awards went to contestants in the following categories: Miss Cover Girl, for raising the most funds for the pageant, Ci’Erra Evans. Highest G.P.A., Latiarra Roberts 4.3, Milady Duarte 3.8, Cheyenne Brown 3.8 People’s Choice Awards, Miss Compton, Rosemary Valle, Miss Teen Compton, Kimberly Plascensia, Miss Jr. Teen, Shaterra Jones. Team Award(s), Andrea Luna & Ci’Erra Evans, and Rosemary Valle & Kimberly Plascensia. Most Improved, Faith Grisste, Tracie Davis. Most photogenic, Brandy Johnson, Andrea Luna, Rosemary Valle. Miss Congeniality, most pleasing in nature or character, Brandy Johnson, Latiara Roberts, Cheyenne Brown. Community Service, Cheyenne Brown. Scholarship Award, Cheyenne Brown.
The judges for the contest were Dr. Dione Washington (Miss Compton 1992-1994) Senior Consultant and Proprietor of Quantum Leap Consulting Agency, MeLeah Robinson, founder and CEO of From the Heart Productions, Jose Torres, Board Member of Sativa L.A. County Water District, and editor of the local bilingual newspaper La Voz de Compton, Tootie Inez Adkins, Creator of docu-series Ladies of Compton, and Mortuary Executive/Funeral Director, Andre Spicer, Owner/Operator of The Hub Radio Station, Margie Garrett, Retired Educator, and CUSD Board of Trustees, Vice-President, Jose Beltran, Entertainment Director and wedding professional.
But let’s face it this great event could not have taken place without the pageant staff, volunteers, and sponsors. Staff: Shanice McKinley, Executive Director/Event Coordinator, Corion Lucas, Yvette Carrillo, Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Debra Dowell, Pageant Coach, Andrea Logan, Photographer, Steve Reed, Komica Purnell, Angelo McVay, Back Stage Hosts.
Sponsors: All pro Printing, Hair 4 U Boutique, La Reyna Discount And Pop’s Chicken, 7 Eleven Store # 39627, Olivia Luna, Independent Beauty Consultant, Rudolph Skeete, Car Audio, Tacos El Rincon, Shoot Me FX (photographer), El Potrero, Yolanda Lopez and Francisco Orozco, CUSD School Board Candidates, United Printers, Exum Medical Corp., Bruce Nelson Residential Home, Trinity Unlimited Child Care Ctr., Brenda’s Catering, Compton Community Pharmacy, the Nem Hicks Family, L&D Barbershop, Jean Richburg, Toyicha Chisom, Cynthia Robinson, Garden of Praise Christian Fellowship, New Revelation Faith Ctr., Get Transformed (weight products), Compton City Councilman Dr. Willie O. Jones, City Pride Magazine, Urdream Photography, Pinks Beauty Salon, Mid City Mini Storage, Pizza King, Passion Latina (dance studio), Monica Lewis Swimwear, Lavita Beauty Lounge, The Perfect Image (photography), Dr. Dione Washington, and the Compton Tribune Newspaper.
Whew! If I missed anyone I apologize in advance…..and contact me to add you on. But as you can see it took a lot of behind the scenes work to make this year’s pageant a success. The young ladies also attended many meetings and events in and around the community to promote the event. And also the 2012-2013 title holders (Miss Compton, Felicia Fairley, Miss Teen Compton, Chrinesha Moore, Miss Jr. Teen Compton, Jasmine Williams supported the event up until handing over the crown to the new winners. Great job everyone…..thanks for showing the world how Compton shines!
For photos and more information on the Miss Compton Pageant go to:
Photos of the 2013-2014 winners: http://www.flickr.com/photos/99891034@N04/sets/72157635051240044/
Photos of 2013-2014 Contestants: http://www.misscompton.com/contestants.php
Miss Compton Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/misscomptonpageant