May 6, 2004

Local girls win beauty pageants

The official preliminary pageant to the MISS CALIFORNIA USA, and MISS CALIFORNIA TEEN USA was held April 25 at Old city hall in Gilroy. Two local girls, including one from Almaden, have been chosen to continue to the next step in the competition.

Jamie Henika of Almaden Valley was chosen by judges to represent the Bay Area as the new MISS PENINSULA CITIES TEEN USA 2005. Jaime is a Senior at Branham High School on her way to attend college Cal Poly Pamona this Fall. A member of the Nordstrom Fashion Board & The National Honor Society, Jaime still seems to find time working part-time at Pizza My Heart in Los Gatos. Her career goal is to one day finish college with a BA in Fashion Merchandising, and own her own makeup line. She says she is excited to represent her community at the upcoming Miss California Teen USA Pageant which will be held in Fresno in early September and hopes it will lead her to the title of Miss Teen USA.

Carissa White of Santa Cruz was chosen by judges out of six other contestants to be the FIRST ANNUAL MISS PENINSULA CITIES USA 2004! Carissa is a professional, full time dance instructor, in her long time residence of Santa Cruz. She is a graduate of Harbor High School, and is a part of the Twin Lakes Church community. She has served her community in many areas including church events, working with children and the homeless. Her career goal is to one day be a local business owner with a Dance Studio for all ages. She says she is thrilled to represent the Santa Cruz & Bay Area Community at the upcoming Miss California USA Pageant in September, and hopefully onto to Miss USA and Miss Universe.