Bakersfield.com

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What happens when 43 girls from all over California get together for 12 days to compete for $35,000 in scholarships?  Probably not what you would expect!  Bakersfield’s Junior Miss, Bethany Feil, was amazed to see “how there could be 43 girls about the same age together with no cliques, no feeling isolated, just lots of getting along!”

The city of Rohnert Park, California recently hosted the California Junior Miss Scholarship program which is celebrating 50 years in California.  Junior Misses are characterized by scholastic achievement, community involvement, creativity and the quest for excellence in every facet of life.  The girls were judged in 5 categories: 25% Judges Interview, 20% Scholastics, 15% Fitness, 15% Self Expression, and 25% Talent.   Joyce Chang, former California Junior Miss says, “The beauty of the Junior Miss program lies in its blessed ability to change those it comes in contact with.”

Were our local girls changed?  Cheyanne Gustason, Tehachapi’s Junior Miss, who claims she’s not really into “pageants” said, “I was really dubious at first but I was happy to have my preconceived notions proved wrong.”   Shafter’s Junior Miss, Laura Arnold, couldn’t believe “how supportive the girls were of each other.”  She enjoyed the Friendship Circle they shared before each show where the girls had the opportunity to encourage each other with positive words.

The talent pool among a group this size is amazing and diverse: Cheyanne played the Bagpipes, Bethany danced a classical Ballet, Laura and Brittany played the piano.  Other unique talent included Korean drum playing, Opera, Irish dancing, Belly dancing, Broadway style performances and many, many more.

Brittany Lopez, Delano’s Junior Miss, was named First Alternate and was awarded a $6,000 scholarship.  She and Bakersfield’s Junior Miss Bethany Feil were awarded individual scholarships of $500 each for the Fitness category.  Bethany Feil also received a $500 scholarship for her “Be Your Best Self” essay. 

Would our local girls recommend this program to others?  Absolutely!  Bethany Feil believes this is truly an “outstanding program.”  She’s excited about the local programs and would encourage high school juniors to check with their counselors for information in January.  She’s already planning to return to Rohnert Park next August to help out as a “has been”!  Once a Junior Miss, always a Junior Miss!