Director Raina Wright Reynolds mentors the contestants. Courtesy photo

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Miss Butte County Scholarship program competition at the Fair entails so much more than many people realize. All competitors are richly rewarded, with more than scholarship funds.

Contestants have been preparing for months already. There have been eight competition camps, and a total of 200 hours put in by each of the 13 competitors. In addition, for the first time the program has expanded to include an ambassador program for young men. Under the direction of Raina Wright-Reynolds, a former Miss Butte County runner-up, the participants have been trained in community service, interviewing skills, building a resumé and public speaking, just to name a few.

All candidates took a Butte County knowledge test last Saturday, before rehearsing for the competition. The test covers various aspects of the Butte County Fair, the Miss Butte County Scholarship Program’s history and core values. This evaluation ensures that the future royal court members are well-prepared to engage with the public and answer questions confidently.

The four age categories and names of participants are: Missette: ages eight to 12, LilliAnn Pannell, Melody Ramsey, Aaliyah Fowler, Anahy Valdez, River Nichols, Natalie Castaneda, Ava Cote, Teen Miss: ages 13 to 16, Gracie Yost, Alana McCabe, Paulina Martinez, Emily Danner, Miss: ages 17-20, Thalia Valdez and Ambassador: ages eight to 20, Sawyer Smith.

 Director Raina Wright Reynolds mentors the contestants. Courtesy photo

Maizy Miller, the 2023 Teen Miss, shared her experiences and what she enjoyed about participating.

“My mother had done it in 1995…I realized it was a really great way to give back to this community, because I was born and raised in Oroville. I met a bunch of amazing girls who are now my best friends,” she said.

Miller is planning on a career in journalism.

The first-ever Ambassador contestant, Sawyer Smith, is from Chico and is a student at Marsh Junior High. He was encouraged to apply to the program by a friend who is also participating. His favorite part of the program has been working with people and gaining communication skills—all good skills for a pastor, which is what he plans to do in the future.

Director Raina Wright Reynolds raved about the group.

“Watching these young people evolve from day one to competition night is truly inspiring. Their growth in self-confidence is remarkable. I always tell the contestants that, regardless of the outcome, they’ve already triumphed. It takes immense courage to step into the spotlight. The skills gained here will serve them well in their future endeavors, and I’m committed to supporting their journeys wherever that may lead,” she said.

The culmination of the competition will be held on the opening day of the Butte County Fair, Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. at the Courtyard Stage. The Miss, Teen, and Ambassador competition will follow at 7:30 p.m. The event will include an opening number, speech, presentation of skills, and impromptu questions for each contestant. The fair opens at 4 p.m., so be sure to get there early to grab a delicious bite to eat and to save your seat.