Orientation meeting set for local Miss America, youth pageants

By BRIENNE GREEN
Daily Press Editor
Girls from ages 3 all the way to 24 with dreams of one day being crowned Miss America can take the first step on that path Saturday.
Tao Yates-Chumbley, director of the Miss Artesia Pageant, will hold an orientation meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday at The Jahva House for girls interested in competing in the upcoming Little Miss Artesia, Miss Teen Artesia and Miss Artesia pageants.
Directly affiliated with the Miss America organization, the winner of the Miss Artesia pageant will move on to compete at the Miss New Mexico pageant in June. The winner of that pageant represents the state in the Miss America pageant. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
“Miss Artesia is obviously the big pageant, but we have programs for all ages, so even the little ones can get involved,” said Yates-Chumbley.
In attendance at Saturday’s meeting will be Miss Eddy County Outstanding Teen Shawni Judah.
“Shawni will be here to just kind of encourage the girls, maybe give them some modeling tips and let them know what she’s been doing since she’s been crowned,” said Yates-Chumbley.
Children ages 3-12 can sign up to compete in the Little Miss Artesia pageant. The winner of the pageant will have their entry fee for the state Little Miss pageant paid for (a $190 value). All participants will receive goodie bags and an opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet luncheon with Miss New Mexico Oustanding Teen Natalie Benson on the day of the pageant.