Local Student Wears Miss Cardinal City Crown

SAN BERNARDINO>> On Saturday, Sept. 24, nine judges had the difficult task of selecting the young woman who would represent San Bernardino High School now through September 2017. After much deliberation, the judges selected student Jazmin Villalobos as Miss Cardinal. Villalobos and her court will represent San Bernardino High School at community events and volunteer their time to support people in need. “Being the new Miss Cardinal is so surreal,” Villalobos said. “I am not used to getting so much attention from random people. It’s definitely a new feeling, but a great one.” The Miss Cardinal Court includes first runner-up Brenda Sanchez and second runner-up Melinda Gutierrez. Other winners include Brenda Sanchez for Miss Congeniality, Highest G.P.A., and the Coach’s Award (tie); Melinda Gutierrez for the Coach’s Award (tie); Lidia Insunza for Miss Photogenic and the Director’s Award (tie); Denise Tapia for the Director’s Award (tie); Alexis Aguilar for Facebook Favorite (most likes) and Juana Juliza Ruiz for People’s Choice Award. “All of the girls are winners,” said pageant founder/director and bilingual school outreach worker Jamie Rios. “And, not just this year’s contestants, but all of our past Miss Cardinal City winners and contestants as well. They work very hard just to be able to compete in the Miss Cardinal pageant.” The 2016–2017 contestants were: Yatziri Toledo, Maricela Torres, Melinda Gutierrez, Alexis Aguilar, Lidia Insunza, Lesly Noriega, Juana Juliza Ruiz, Denise Tapia, Maggie Santos, Sandra Gutierrez, Karen Ponce-Hernandez, Jazmin Villalobos, Silvina Mendez, and Brenda Sanchez. Past Miss Cardinal City winners were: Janielle Eisma (2015–2016), Monserrat Gutierrez (2014–2015), Carolina Beltran (2013–2014), Brianda Chavez (2012–2013), Yara Kassis (2011–2012), Stephanie Centeno (2010–2011), Angelica Mahabir (2009–2010), Jasmine Gonzales (2008–2009), Simone Rosemond (2007–2008), Anali Mendoza (2006–2007), and Rebekah Zuel (2005–2006).