ProgramWelcome

Master of Ceremonies

Barbara Thiesen, President - Dinuba Chamber of Commerce Joey Morales - Mayor - City of DinubaGreg Olson, Alina Gonzalez, and Miss Dinuba Maddi Tuttle

Opening Number All thirteen contestants and Miss Dinuba Maddi TuttleIntroduction of Judges Greg Olson, Master of CeremoniesIntroduction of Auditors Greg Olson, Master of Ceremonies

Interview (30% of total score)

Talent Competition (30% of total score)Contestant #1- Julianna Acosta -Swilley Singing "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables"

Contestant #2 - Alexia Gonzalez Art Presentation of Marilyn Monroe

Contestant #3 - Karmelita Medina Interpretative Dance with Ancient Egyptian Isis Wings

Contestant #4 - Xiomara Ayon Monologue "I'm a Princess Too"

Contestant #5 - Jazel Munoz Polynesian Dance to "Sway it Hula Girl"

Contestant #6 - Kaleigh Lawrence Singing "Astonishing" from "Little Women"

Contestant #7 - Jana Miller Speed Painting - Creating an image that has inspired her

Contestant #8 - Tatiana Placencia Contemporary Dance to Rachel Platens "Fight Song"

Contestant #9 - Riana Flaming Street Jazz Dance to "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars

Contestant #10 - Hannah Ragsdale Bringing a Character to Life with Pastels and Markers

Contestant #11 - Kendra Farrice Singing "Hallelujah" by Carly Rose Sonenclar

Contestant #12 - Kaitlyn Zapien Singing "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" Originally sang by

Frankie Vall

Contestant #13 - Delilah Robledo Singing "Oceans" by Hillsong United

Intermission (15 Minutes)Recognition of Visiting Royalty

Introduction of Former Royalty

Evening Gown & Platform Competition (25% of total score)

Impromptu Question Competition (15% of total score)

AcknowledgementsMiss Congeniality 2015 Sponsored by Dinuba KiwanisMiss Dinuba 2015 Sponsored by Sunrise Rotary Club - Dinuba

Coronation of Miss Dinuba 2015

Miss Dinuba

2015Maddi Tutt le

Age: 17Daughter of Susan Acosta and the late Anthony SwilleyHigh school: Dinuba High School College plans: University of Pennsylvania or Stanford Major: Psychology and/or music Career goals: “To run my own therapeutic practice and eventually make my way onto Broadway later in life.”High school academic honors: Academic All-League. Top 10 in Class, Scholar Athlete Other honors: Female Athlete of the Year, HOBY recipient, regional and all-state honor choir, Most Valuable Player for girls varsity basketball and track and field, Most Inspirational Choir Member Clubs/organizations: A.C.C.E.P.T. member and officer, Big Brother Big Sister program, Drill Team captain, ASB, Madrigals, Ivy League Project and Student Site Council Sports: Volleyball, basketball, track and field and cross country Volunteer service/community involvement: Vacation Bible School, church choir, scorekeeper for boys summer basketball and cleaning stands after basketball games. “My favorite subject in school is math because every problem has one definite answer.”“My favorite teacher is Miss Pauls who taught me how to work hard and dream big.” “If I had one wish it would be that my father, cousin/brother Andrew and my

grandma were here with me to cherish these great moments of life.” “Who I admire the most other than a relative is Beyonce, because her music has given me confidence and taught me how to love myself for who I am.” “What scares me the most is losing my mother because she has been my biggest supporter throughout all my life and has pulled me through hard times in my life.” “One concern of mine that might surprise you are the effects of losing a loved one.” Pageant platform: “Making dreams come true.” Pageant talent: Singing “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to participate and learn more about my community and be an example not only to my peers but to everyone that with hard work and determination dreams really can come true.”

Contestant #1 - Julianna Acosta-Swilley

Age: 17 Daughter of Agustin and Christina GonzalezHigh school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: University of California at Santa Barbara or UC DavisMajor: “Medicine and one day become a pediatrician because of my interest in taking care of babies. ”High school academic honors: Honor Roll, Principal’s List and one White and two Green Chevrons Other honors: Certificate of Responsibility, CPR certified Clubs/organizations: HOSA, A.C.C.E.P.T., Link Crew, Leadership, Ivy League Project Sports: “I played softball for 10 consecutive years for school, the city and travel ball.” Volunteer service/community involvement: “I have volunteered in Relay for Life for seven years.” Work experience: Babysitting family and family friends and make-up artistry for seven years.Hobbies: Practicing make-up on myself, drawing or painting. “My favorite subject in school is math because there is always a right answer.” “My favorite teacher is Mr. Lichtenwaldt, who taught me to work hard because you only get as much as you give.” “My favorite holiday is Christmas because we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth.” “My favorite gift of

all time that I received was my first make-up palate.” “My favorite gift of all time that I gave was my teddy bear to my little cousin.” “I admire Selena Gomez because she believes that everyone has the right to feel beautiful and she taught me to love others and myself.” “What scares me most is losing someone I love.” “If I had one wish it would be to have my own make-up room” “My best friends think I am loud and outspoken.” Pageant platform: “Embrace your inner beauty.” Pageant talent: Speed painting of Marilyn Monroe. “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to be a positive representative of Dinuba and use my title to encourage people to always perform to the best of their ability no matter who they are or where they come from.”

Contestant #2- Alexia Gonzalez

Age: 17 Daughter of Minerva Medina and granddaughter of Amelia Medina.High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: Fresno StateMajor: Physical therapyCareer goals: “My career goal is to become a successful physical therapist.” High school academic honors: Academic Letter D for having a 3.0 grade point average and Green Chevron for having a 3.5 or higher GPA. Other honors: Coaches Award and a Captain Award for colorguard, academic ribbon from NJROTC, a first place ribbon for drawing and a Ladies Auxiliary Writing award for writing a 500-word essay about men and women in the military. Sports: Colorguard Volunteer service/community involvement: Participation in elementary school fairs with ROTC, Raisin Day/Cinco De Mayo, cashier/sales U Be’s Pizza, assisted with the junior high colorguard, New Covenant Care for two years, Easter Spring Fling, Cesar Chavez Day and attended various meetings with the city of Dinuba.Hobbies: flag, dance, art (drawing), acting, music and baking.“The best book I’ve ever read is “The Glass Castle,” because it is a nonfiction book that is a collection of memories that shows the author’s struggles during her childhood and how she became successful with every struggle that she faced in her life.” “My favorite teacher in the world is Master Sergeant who

taught me to never make excuses, have a positive attitude and don’t give up on dreams.”“One concern of mine that might surprise you is how easy it is for teenagersto follow along with celebrity challenges on YouTube that my harm and affect us in various ways unknown.”Pageant platform: “Dinuba, because it is a strong supportive community.” Pageant talent: Story told through dance “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because she is the type of girl that has a positive attitude, stays true to herself and continues to work toward her goals, but most of all she continues to stay focused on what’s important to herself. Also, because Dinuba is a growing city that is very influential and believes in what it stands for in which is teamwork/responsibility/helpfulness; and understands how to develop long-lasting partnerships.”

Contestant #3 - Karmelita Medina

Age: 17Daughter of Jose Ayon and Xochitl Garcia “I have one brother named Jose Junior Ayon.” “ I have one sister named Karina Ayon.” High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: Fresno State Major: Education Career goals: “I’d like to be a high school English teacher.” High school academic honors: 3.5 cumulative GPA, Green Chevrons, honor roll list. Other honors: Colorguard Coaches’ award and Emperor awards, Academic Letter D, captain pin. Clubs/organizations: Link Crew, HOSA, Colorguard Sports: Tennis Work experience: Babysitting Hobbies: Netflix marathons, writing, listening to music, makeup tutorials, pretending to be Beyoncé in the shower. Favorite TV shows: “Criminal Minds” and “Once Upon a Time.”Favorite movie: “Anything Disney or Nicholas Sparks.” Favorite movie star: Johnny Depp Best book: “Divergent Trilogy” “My favorite teacher is Mr. Almaguer, my third-grade teacher, because he taught me to always stay true to myself and to never be ashamed to show who I am. He also helped me to complete my

multiplication facts in one minute, which was a huge third-grade accomplishment.” “Christmas is my favorite holiday because it brings everyone together, and Christmas movies are always great.”“The person other than a family member that I admire the most is Angelina Jolie. She’s my version of an ideal mother and she’s a leading female activist.” “What scares me the most is losing my family, frogs and Chuck (the doll).” “If I had one wish it would be to be able to adopt every stray dog in the world and for everyone to be genuinely happy with themselves.” “Friends think I am trustworthy, honest, creative, strong-minded and sarcastic.” Pageant platform: Suicide prevention Pageant talent: Monologue

Contestant #4 - Xiomara Ayon

Age: 16 Daughter of Jesus and Silvia MunozHigh school: Dinuba High School College plans: “I plan on going to a local community college first, then transferring to a university such as Fresno State or Fresno Pacific.” Major: Physical therapy Career goals: “My goal is to become a registered nurse and work in the pediatric field.”High school academic honors: Honor roll; grade point average has always been a 3.0 and above. Other honors: “I received two varsity letters; one for water polo my freshman year and the other for cheer my junior year. I also received the most improved award for cheer my sophomore year.” Clubs/organizations: DHS Med Academy 2012 to present, member of the DHS choral department women’s choir 2012-15 and Madrigals 2015-16. Sports: Water polo, cheer, swim and track and field Volunteer service/community involvement: Food Link – packed food boxes for distribution; Delft Church of God – helped at outreach events such as Vacation Bible School, community dinners and taught Sunday School for first- and second-graders; Cat House on the Kings – cleaned the cat kennels, fed and played with cats. Work experience: “I’m a hairdresser’s assistant at Pose Salon. I run errands and provide janitorial services.”“My favorite teacher in the world is Mr.

Wright. He taught me to believe in myself and what I’m capable of doing with my life. He said never to consider failing a failure, but a lesson, and also to keep striving for the best.”Pageant platform: Hosting a foreign exchange student Pageant talent: Polynesian dance “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I love the city that I live in. It is a small city on the grow and I want to inform other people about my platform and how it changed my life and how it can change theirs. Another reason why Id like to be Miss Dinuba is so that I can serve the community that has helped form me into the young lady I am today. I have gone to Dinuba schools since kindergarten. I’ve played city sports such as softball and basketball. I’ve attended Raisin Day and Cinco de Mayo events since I was a child and I have made such great memories."

Contestant #5 - Jazel Munoz

Age: 17 Daughter of Rod and Colleen Lawrence High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: If I feel led to go to college, I plan on going to Vanguard University of Southern California, but as of now, I feel the best thing for me would be to take a discipleship training school in Belize for five months, unless I feel called to a different discipleship training in another country Major course of study: My major course of study in university would be sociology and music/theater. Career goals: My career goals are to become a social worker or a professional musician, but I ultimately would love to take my skills to the mission field and be able to help those in need. I also would really love to work in helping people get out of prostitution and start new lives. High school academic honors: Principal’s List, my Academic D, a White Chevron, maintained a 4.0 or higher grade point average. Recognition for Commitment to Excellence in choir. Recognition for participating in the 2014 Regional Honor Choir, Recognition as Most Inspirational Choir Member. Other honors: Coaches Award for junior varsity swim, Most Improved Girl Swimmer for Dinuba Aqua Emps, Best All Around Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actress in “Grease,” Most Inspirational and Best Female Lead in “Beauty and the Beast.” Clubs/organizations: I participate in Dinuba

Aqua Emps, Summer Polo and live at Gleanings for the Hungry. Sports: Water polo, competitive swimming What scares me the most: “Failure scares me the most.” “One concern of mine that might surprise you is the exploitation of people, especially women and children; example human trafficking and pornography.” Pageant platform: Eating disorder awareness Pageant talent: Singing “Astonishing” from “Little Women the Musical.” “I feel empowered when I sing it.” “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to be someone younger children can look up to, someone my peers can confide in, and someone adults can rely on to get a job done. I would also like to be Miss Dinuba for the learning experience, not only to learn about myself, but about my community, and most importantly about God, and his grace, strength and love. Also, I want to wear a fancy crown to places and feel like a princess.”

Contestant #6 - Kaleigh Lawrence

Age: 17 Daughter of Jeff and Tricia Miller High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: Belmont University Major course of study: Oncology Career goals: “Assist kids with their battles with cancer by becoming a pediatric oncologist.” High school academic honors: Academic Letter, Green Chevron, three White Chevrons, enrolled in three A P classes, Principal’s List, Top10 percent grade point average. Other honors: 2013 HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) 3rd place state finalist, competed at national finals; 2014 HOSA state top 10 finalist; 2015 HOSA state top 10 finalist; varsity letter, DHS varsity cheerleading, 2013-16.Clubs/organizations: HOSA (club historian); First Baptist of Dinuba youth group; Colorguard Sports: DHS varsity cheerleading Volunteer service/community involvement: Sports medicine internship, Relay for Life, Paint the Caps; VBS, Open Gate food drive, San Francisco intercity mission trip, Love Inc., HOSA Courtesy Corp, 50+ service hours Leadership, raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pennies for Patients, Open Gate in Raisin Day Parade, cleaned school mural, helped at dress drive and Pull for a Cure. Work experience: Babysitting, catering, employed at Morgan Wealth Management “I love to read and I’ve read too many phenomenal books to choose just one.” “My favorite subject in school is Leadership, it taught me how to be a better leader,

and I love to be involved in the student body.” “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Fadra Kiehn, who taught me that hard work pays off and everything is part of God’s plan for our lives.” “My favorite received gift of all time was Jesus Christ dying on the cross for my sins, and knowing that he’ll be a part of my life forever.”“My favorite given gift of all time was the gift of service to young children at Vacation Bible School because it’s important to instill God’s word into their lives at a young age.” “One concern of mine that might surprise you is texting while driving.” Pageant platform: Smiles for soldiers. Pageant talent: Speed painting “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to be a fantastic role model, and show young women how to properly present themselves as well as be a model for service and show how great it is to volunteer through community service."

Contestant #7 - Jana Miller

Age: 17 Daughter of Jose Claudio and Leticia Placencia High school: Dinuba High School College plans: University of Central Oklahoma Major course of study: Kinesiology Career goals: “I want to become a prosthetist to help other amputees reach their full potential.” High school academic honors: Academic Letter, White Chevron, Scholar Athlete, getting a 4.0 grade point average sophomore year.Other honors: Most Inspirational Athlete for tennis, Star Athlete Award for Valley Children’s Adaptive Sports Program, Most Improved Swimmer for Aqua Emps, competed in the Endeavor Games (largest multi-sport competition for athletes with physical disabilities in Oklahoma), came home with nine medals — six gold, two silver and one bronze. Clubs/organizations: Big Brother Big Sister, Link Crew, Key Club, Kiwanis Bilingual, Valley Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports. Sports: Swimming, basketball, tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, adaptive waterskiing Volunteer service/community involvement: Kiwanis Bilingual, Relay for Life, community service with Key Club, garbage pick-up, art events Work experience: “I work at our family’s local ice cream shop.” Hobbies: Playing sports, drawing, going on adventures, singing and dancing My favorite TV show is “Friends.” My favorite movie is “Cinderella.” “My favorite teacher in the world is

Mr. Olson, who taught me to be true to myself and always give 110 percent in everything I do.”“My favorite gift of all time that I received was my running prosthetic leg, because I was finally able to learn how to run.” “My favorite gift of all time that I gave was my advice to be yourself because there is only one you.” “If I had one wish it would be that everyone could see how beautiful they are.” Pageant platform: Depression awareness Pageant talent: Dancing“I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to inspire the citizens of my town by showing them that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance, and to promote a positive attitude toward our community.”family and community within me. I hope to epitomize that for others and show them that Dinuba is not just some small town to be passed through, but a town that's making a great name for itself.”

Contestant #8 - Tatiana Placencia

Age: 17 Daughter of Ron and Rhonda Flaming High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: Local community college and then transferring to Fresno StateMajor course of study: Bachelor’s degree in registered nursing Career goals: Registered nurse High school academic honors: Honor roll, Principal’s List,Academic Letter, White and Green Chevrons Other honors: Coaches award for cheerleading, varsity letter Clubs/organizations: A.C.C.E.P.T. Cub, Little Black Dress Boutique Ambassador Sports: Cheerleading Volunteer service/community involvement: Assistance League of Fresno, Dream Dress Drive, coached Dinuba Youth Football cheer Special training: Dance since I was three, Red Cross certified and CPR certified Work experience: Dedicated babysitter for my aunt and uncleHobbies: Cheering, dancing, hanging out with friends, baking and experimenting with makeup My favorite TV show is “Gossip Girl.”

My favorite TV star is Blake Lively. My favorite movie star is Sandra Bullock. “My favorite subject in school is history because I love learning about the past.”Pageant Platform: Who says I need to be a size 0 and 5 ft 10 inches tall to be beautiful. Pageant Talent: Street Jazz Dance to "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars

Contestant #9 - Riana Flaming

Contestant #10 - Hannah RagsdaleAge: 16Daughter of Lorie and David Ragsdale High school: Immanuel High SchoolCollege plans: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Major course of study: Law, history or artCareer goals: “I am considering a career as a creative thinking, problem solving attorney, but I can also see myself working as a professional designer, perhaps in the fashion industry, or Pixar’s style of animation. Whatever path I am ultimately drawn to pursue, I plan to use my creativity to provide top quality products and/or services to influence society in a most positive way.” High school academic honors: 3.9 grade point average, honor roll Academic Letter, Lamp and Star achievement symbols, California Scholarship Federation, Reedley College High School Enrichment Program, UC and CSU eligibility Other honors: Advanced Placement into advanced art classes where I was selected to contribute to an art outreach program for African orphans, and participate in a congressional art contest,Immanuel Junior High School valedictorian in 2012. Sports: Consistently active in dance, high school participation in varsity cheerleading and JV volleyball and involvement in extracurricular softball, soccer and basketball. Volunteer service/

community involvement: Teaching assistant for Kaye’s School of Dance in Dinuba and for Immanuel High School in Reedley, Sunday School helper at Dinuba First Baptist, and many other volunteer works. “My favorite subject in school is history because I am very interested in heritage and curious to know who has come and gone before me.” “My favorite teachers in the world are Mr. Hayward and Mrs. Kriegbaum who have both taught me through their personal examples to be thoughtful, respectful and genuine to everyone. “ Pageant platform: Art Pageant talent: Dancing“I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I want to become confident and competent in a position of public service by working with the city of Dinuba, devoting my time and creative talents to inspire and help others pursue their interests and achieve their dreams.”

Age: 17 Daughter of Shelley and Greg Farrice High school: Dinuba High SchoolCollege plans: Community college Major course of study: Music Career goals: “My career goal is to be a vocalist.” High school academic honors: Athletic Scalar and honor roll Other honors: Madrigals patch, three Chevrons, Music Note and a Golf patch Clubs/organization: Concert Women’s Choir, Concert Choir and MadrigalsSports: Varsity golf Volunteer service/community involvement: “Worked within preschool at my church.” Special training: “I have taken choir classes, was the lead in the school play and I am currently on my church’s dance/drama team.” Work experience: Babysitting Hobbies: Guitar, piano, singing, dancing, acting and also painting/drawing “My favorite subject is choir, because I love singing and learning new ways to improve.”“My favorite teacher is Mrs. Warkentin, who not only taught me to manage my finances, but also to be kind to everyone you meet because everyone is fighting their own battles.” “My favorite holiday is Christmas because everyone comes together and we play games and eat amazing food.” “My favorite gift given to me would have to be friendship, because I have been blessed with the most amazing people.”“My favorite gift I have ever given would

be a painting that I painted myself.” “Who I admire the most other than family would have to be, Tricia Pennington/Lamb, a family friend, because she is a fighter. She and her sister have been through so much and yet they continue to be strong and keep going.” “What scares me the most is disappointing those that I care about the most.” “If I had one wish it would be to have more wishes.” “One concern of mine that might surprise you is being without my family.” Pageant platform: Purpose Pageant talent: Singing “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because of the growth from community, school and church events that I have received. I am a well-rounded mature young woman with a passion to return what I have been given. And, it is for that same reason that I would like to become an ambassador of Dinuba to help set new goals and accomplish them together as a strong community.”

Contestant #11 - Kendra Farrice

Contestant #12 - Kaitlyn ZapienAge: 17 Daughter of Abraham and Beatrice ZapienHigh school: Dinuba High School College plans: “I plan on attending a community college for two years, then transferring to a university.” Major course of study: LawCareer goals: “To become a successful and wealthy lawyer.” High school academic honors: 3.75 grade point average, Principal’s List and academic letter Clubs/organizations: Madrigals, Concert Choir and varsity basketball Sports: Volleyball, basketball and softball Hobbies: Singing, playing basketball, watching Netflix and eating gummi worms My favorite TV show is “Pretty Little Liars.” My favorite movie is “A Walk to Remember” and my favorite movie star is Gerard Butler. The best book I’ve ever read is “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. “My favorite subject is choir, because I love to sing.” “My two favorite teachers in the whole world are Mr. Sawatzky and Miss Dottie, who both taught me not to be afraid to try new things.” “My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it reminds me of how blessed I am, and I love to eat,” “My favorite gift of all time was my first Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, shirt from my dad.” “My favorite gift of all time that I gave was my little sister’s first Disney princess shirt.” “What scares me the most are sharks and

ants.” “If I had one wish it would be to spend the day with Stephen Curry.” “My best friends think that I am amazing, hardworking, independent and bold.” “One concern of mine that might surprise you is the drought and running out of water in Dinuba.” Pageant platform: “Don’t be afraid to be yourself.”Pageant talent: Singing “I would like to be Miss Dinuba because I would get to see and participate in the community in a whole new way, and I think it would be a great experience to meet new people.”

Age: 17 Daughter of Mayra and Robert RobledoHigh school: Dinuba High School SchoolCollege plans: “I plan to attend Cal Poly and major in engineering with a minor in business.” Career goals: “My career goal is engineer management in a city that never sleeps.” High school academic honors: Academic letter, three White Chevrons, Principal’s List and Top Ten grade point average Other honors: Varsity letter and most improved singer in advanced women’s ensemble Clubs/organization: HOSA, A.C.C.E.P.T. and the Ivy League Project. “I also participate in my church’s drama team.” Sports: Tennis and cheer Volunteer service/community involvement: Helping out the leadership around Dinuba High School and Relay for Life Work experience: “Babysitting is a work experience that is enjoyable and exhilarating.”Hobbies: Swimming, running, drawing and writing poetry “My favorite subject is math because it is both engaging and challenging.” “Mrs. Kiehn is my favorite teacher who taught me to be who I am despite the audience and to chase after my dreams.”“My favorite holiday is Independence Day because of the four F’s: family, friends, food and fireworks.” “The best gift I received was an eternity with my heavenly father.” “My favorite gift I gave was two hermit crabs to my little brother on Christmas.” “I admire Hayley

Williams because she is faithful in Christianity and is an awesome woman who isn’t afraid to be who she really is and her hair is amazing.” “What scares me most is failure, but it only motivates me to be the best I can be.” “My one wish would be for everyone to be happy and full of life.” “A constant concern of mine is if I am being too talkative.” Pageant platform: Women empowerment Pageant talent: Playing the piano and singing “I want to be Miss Dinuba because I want to be a role model that will show the community that ordinary can be extraordinary and to encourage the youth to be more involved and be leaders within their community and be someone that they can look up to for encouragement and inspiration to chase their dreams.”

Contestant #13 - Delilah Robledo

*Biographies written by Dinuba Sentinel

Thank you to Linda Renn and the Dinuba Sentinel for creating and sharing the Miss Dinuba contestant biographies and your continued support of the Miss

Dinuba pageant.

Serving the Communities of

Dinuba, Cutler-Orosi and Monson-Sultana

since 1909.

The History of the Miss Dinuba PageantRAISIN DAY 1914 had at least two things that set it apart from all previous Raisin Days. It crowned the first Raisin Day Queen, and it was saluted by a proclamation by Governor Hiram Johnson.

Another thing that set it apart from all but one post World War II Raisin Days was that it,was held in April instead of the autumn.

Clarice Wooley Scruggs of Sultana was the first young lady to become Dinuba's official sweetheart. However, common belief is there \was a long wait before there was another Dinuba Raisin Day Queen. The Dinuba Chamber of Commerce's annual Miss Dinuba Pageant poster shows a gap between 1914 and 1947. A story we have not yet been able to check for authenticity is that, Raisin Day became so successful that it was moved to Fresno about 1919. There it became an annual celebration until World war II when it was abandoned. Dinuba revived it after the war and brought it home. In about I 940 Sentinel Editor Bob Raison's sixth grade geography book in South Carolina had a picture of a vineyard. The caption said it was typical of Fresno where raisins were the principal crop. It added there was an annual Raisin Day celebration. After settling in Dinuba (and checking on raisins), Raison was told that the vineyard in his geography book belonged to a man named Bennett, and it was just outside of Dinuba. The photograph was made into a huge mural and was used at the San Francisco World's Fair in 1939. The mural ultimately came back to Dinuba and is stashed away somewhere. .

While the common conceptiOn IS that there were no Dinuba Raisin Day (or Raisin Festival) Queens between Clarice Wooley Scruggs in 19 I 4 and Patricia Lavin Furman in I 947, it may not be correct. In fact, the Dinuba Sentinel of April 23, 192 I, reported that Helen Hauser of Dinuba would be the Queen of the Fresno Raisin Festival. The Apri130, 1921, Sentinel reported Dinuba had walked away with the top honors in the Raisin Day Parade in Fresno for the third consecutive year. This meant Dinuba got to keep the trophy. The Sentinel also

reported Dinuba was "the only city in the Valley to have. two entire sections in the parade:"The Dinuba Float, which carried Miss Hauser, led the parade. It was · described as "a large peacock, complete in every detail with four little maids." A car carrying Miss H~user' .s co-contestants followed the· queen' s float. · ; A committee of Dinubans oversaw ! the selection of Miss Hauser as Raisin Queen. Committee members were R.L. Perry, chairman, R.D. Dewhirst, J.G. Hyman, F.M. Powell and W.O. Mobley.

Besides Miss Hauser, the contestants were: Fay Greene, RebaRollins, Dorothy Williams, and Nadine Adams. For their efforts, a number of local stores gave shoes to the contestants. These included A.B. Wasgatt, 1 JC Penney, Rochdale Company, and Killen Shoe. C. C. Carver provided costumes.

The contest was an election of sorts. The way for the contestants to get votes was to sell subscriptions, advertising, and job printing for the Sentinel. The Sentinel was a daily newspaper in those days. A month's subscription cost 75 cents and was good for I 00 votes. The Sentinel Time Machine is getting ahead of itself. Let's go back to 1914 and the first Raisin Day Queen.

On Tuesday, March 3 I, I 9 I 4, it was reported: "There was a meeting held in the Chamber of Commerce room last Friday night that was a,surprise to every one. lt was a surprise because of the large attendance for no one ever dreamed of the enthusiasm that was to be let loose, and it was the enthusiasm that led to the definitely fixing of plans forthe great event which Dinuba has already made famous." On April 3, 1914, it was reported: "The success of Raisin Day is assured. The finance committee has given out the statement that $I 200 will be available to defray the expenses. The Dinuba merchants aretaking an active interest, and Raisin Day in Dinuba April 30 is going to be bigger and better than ever before." (The same issue reported the city's board of trustees was about to adopt an ordinance prohibiting card playing, cinemas, bowling, billiards, and pool on Sundays. This was apparently the result of religious fervor. created by a revival that was taking place.)

The material immediately available in the Sentinel archives is unclear exactly how Clarice Wooley Scruggs was chosen to be Raisin Day Queen. An article appearing April 24, 1914, listed eight contestants and the number of votes they had compiled to date. The article said, "Votes are cheap, costing but one cent per vote, and the

young ladies in the race will soon have their friends rallying tc their support." On April 24 Clarice led the fieldwith 1,030 -votes. The other contestants and the amount of votes they had compiled were: Letty McLain, 510; Lenore Iverson, 500; Emma Rhein, Mildred Gregory (Orosi), 380; Josephine Barber (Orange Cove), 30 and Gladys Rhodes, 25. No mention was made as to how the money raised by the voting was to be used.

On April 28, 19 I 4, two days before the big event, the headline and subhead read: "Everything Ready For Raisin Day Nothing has been left undone that will add to the comfort and pleasure of the crowd." 'The various committees on Raisin Day have their work well done, and there is going to some sport," the accompanying story said. "There is going to be some of the funniest fun ever witnessed or participated in, and it is going to start early and last until well into the night. Col. Kash, chief of the grand parade, says the line of march will be a long one as there will be more than two miles of those in the parade. Think of it, two miles of parade in Dinuba. Fresno won't be in it. On May I, 1914, the editor was almost ecstatic in reporting the success of the previous day's event. "Raisin Day Enjoyed By Many Thousands," the headline on the lead story said. "The festivities began early in the day, and it was midnight after a rain had started to fall when the good time was brought to a close. The rain came as a fitting climax to a most glorious day ... There was not a hitch in the whole day's program, and the parade was even more than had been anticipated. Dinuba's main business thoroughfare. L Street was fairly swarming with humanity from Mono Street to Alta Avenue ... To Col Dave Kash too much credit can not be given for the manner in which he handled the parade."

Another front page story reported "Stockton Sends Big Delegation. Dinuba was never visited by a more congenial crowd of California boosters than that made up of the crowd of Stockton business men which swooped down upon the city yesterday morning and remained for two hours. The editor indeed did have ample reason to crow. There was only an oblique reference, but Fresno was also apparently having a celebration on the same day.

The above is only a very cursory dip into the Sentinel archives. There has to be much more to the story of 1914 as well as 1921. If we have made mistakes, please forgive us and correct us. Anybody' s personal recollections are always more than welcome.

Acknowledgments

Choreographer Tayler Wolfe

Portraits

Posters Design

Wanda McDaniel Correia

Wanda McDaniel Correia

Videographer Efran Garza

Facilities Michael Roberts, DHS Principal

Flowers/Decorations The Flower Box / Committee

Judge Coordinator Sherri Wolfe

Judges’ Dinner Three Finger Jack's, Ridge Creek Golf Club

Mary Kay Cosmetic Gifts Vikki Halstead, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Tuxedo Courtesy Janeth's Bridal

Program Cover & Tickets Dinuba Chamber of Commerce

Set Design Marilyn Roberts, Jacki Jones & Committee

Sound Saenz Productions

Lights Robert Gaytan

Stage Director Sandy Seitz

Stage Crew Committee

Ticket Booth Bertha Terry, Rachel Arias, and Sandy Sills

Flower Presenter Harrison Myers

Candidates Bios Prepared by Linda Renn, Editor of Dinuba Sentinel

Special Thanks Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped prepare the ladies for interview and talents

Parents Thank you to the parents of the contestants for your support.

JudgesJudge #1 Lauretta Shoop

Judge #2 Stephen Rotella

Judge #3 Taylor Coloka

Judge #4 Jordan Venema

Judge #5 Rebecca Sarkisian

Auditors Linda Barkley and Linda Conklin

Pageant Committee: Greg Olson, Marilyn Roberts, Shirley Stormont,Vikki Halstead, Sherri Wolfe, Alina Gonzalez, Tayler Wolfe, Sandy Seitz, MaryJane Oliver, Kristyn Carrion, Kayla Carrion, Mona Carrion and Florance Tuttle

Chairperson: Cristy MyersThank you Judges, Auditors, Sponsors and Pageant Committee Members.

Your generosity and support made this year’s Miss Dinuba Pageant possible.

Scholarship AwardsMiss Dinuba $2,000.00 | Sponsored by Dinuba Sunrise Rotary Club

First Runner Up` $700.00

Second Runner Up $500.00

Miss Congeniality $200.00 | Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Dinuba

Sponsorship LevelsDiamond Sponsor $1,000.00

Platinum Sponsor $500.00

Gold Sponsor $100.00

Silver Sponsor $50.00

Bronze Sponsor $25.00

Pageant SponsorsDiamond Sponsors • DinubaChamberofCommerce • DinubaUnifiedSchoolDistrict • SunriseRotaryClub• VikkiHalstead,MaryKayCosmetics

Platinum Sponsors• AltaFamilyHealthClinic• BankoftheSierra• EfranGarza• H&K,Inc.•JimManningDodge • LionsClubofDinuba• PresbyterianChurchofDinuba • Rabobank Gold Sponsors • CircleK/Togo's/TuttiFruitti• Dibuduo&Defendis • DinubaWoman'sClub • DopkinsFuneralChapel • JimStormontC.L.U.Insurance • KiwanisClubofDinuba • KnightsofColumbus• LesSchwabTireCenterDinuba • MGreen&Co.,LLCCPA's • Newton&SonsRealEstate• Odwalla • Pena'sDisposal • PortofSubsDinuba• PrecisionAutomotive • ScoutSpecialties• TonyLopezFamilyChildCareCenter• LorenFriesenStateFarm Silver Sponsors• BankoftheWest• DinubaLumberCo.• Kaur'sEyebrowThreading• LivingWordFellowship• MonfortManagement • S.Surabian&Sons • WalMart

Bronze Sponsors • Don'sShoes• Me&Martha'sRestaurant• DinubaRestaurant

1914 Clarice Wooley Scruggs1947 Patricia Lavin Furman1948 Bobbie Jean Collette Ayers1949 Mavis Steele Dunn1950 June Osborn Weaver1951 Nathalea Hull Olson1952 Ginger Jenkins Munson1953 Donna Lenhard Ethridge1954 Beverly Devins Moore1955 Ramona Golden1957 Barbara Boatman Doyle1958 Sue Farley Szpor1959 Diane DeMello Chappell1960 Lynda Spomer Peacock1961 Carol Reid Hammack1962 Cheryl McCarty Blair1963 Janice Mortanian Emerzian1964 Donna Rawson Paulsen1965 Karyn Dennis Gass1966 Marilyn Koobatian Hamilton1967 Sharon Micheli Hanson1968 Carol Bivins Burns1969 Pamela Ely Sutcliff1970 Gayle Sparks Dittenbir1971 Monica Malone Helzer1972 Dolly Lopshire1973 Nancy Kilburn Malanca1974 Rhonda Hendren Ysusi1975 Janice Justice Alford1976 Yvette Garispe Peterson1977 Julie Burt Hutchings1978 Cyndee Doughty Roberson1979 Lori Waide Goossen

1980 Karen Rhea1981 Kathy Justice Brown1982 Gigi Stage1983 Lisa Self1984 Jill Coats1985 Cheryl Oliver1986 Olga Lopez1987 Andrea Hawkins Suttles1988 Lisa Kandarian Cochran1989 Shelly Brady Cox1991 Laurie Stohl Dunn1992 Julie Harris Cote1993 Florence Polanco Tuttle1994 Monica Rodriquez1995 Jennifer Edgerly1996 Kelly Denee Taylor1997 Shelli Rodgers1998 Brooke Broughton Reed1999 Stephanie Halstead2000 Vanessa Sanchez2001 Marlene Kanagui2002 Kelsey Zimmerman2003 Alina Gonzalez2004 Beth Felts2005 Sahar Taha2006 Jaime Garispe2007 Yvonne Abarca2008 Taylor Bergeron2009 Tayler Wolfe2010 Hanadi Hamad2011 Kristyn Carrion2012 Kiersten Gonzalez2013 Annabelle Pantoja2014 Maddi Tuttle

Raisin Day Queens & Miss Dinubas

Thank you to the Presbyterian Church of Dinuba for hosting the Miss Dinuba practises

Worship Services and Children's Church Sunday10:00 am 1250 E Nebraska Avenue, Dinuba CA

"Do small things with great love and you will make a BIG difference."

Dinuba Woman's Club Celebrating 120 Years

"How Sweet It Is!"

Good Luck Girls!

688 North Alta Avenue Dinuba CA 93618(559) 591- 3051

www.lorenfriesen.com

Loren Friesen and his staff congratulate all of the 2015 Miss Dinuba Contestants and their familes for their

dedication. Good Luck!

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Thank you to Dinuba Unified School District for their continued support of the

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Thank you to the DUSD and DHS staff thathave helped make this evening possible

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