Simrat Johal being crowned “Miss Yuba-Sutter 2025” on Thursday, June 19, at the Yuba Sutter Fair. 

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The Yuba-Sutter Fair was buzzing with excitement June 19 night as the Miss Yuba-Sutter Scholarship Program crowned its newest royal court in what organizers say was the largest turnout since the 1990s.

According to co-director Ashley Newman, the 2025 competition featured 30 official contestants vying for titles, plus 21 “Future Misses” and five outgoing court members, with as many as 56 kids on stage at once.

“This year was great,” Newman said. “It was a really big night for us, and the kids all did a really, really great job of showcasing the youth in our community.”

Newman herself is a product of the program, having first competed as a Mini Miss in 1999. She went on to hold the titles of Miss Yuba-Sutter and Miss California State in 2007 before stepping into the director role in 2013. After a brief hiatus, she returned in 2020 and now co-directs alongside Andrea Dunham.

This year’s newly crowned Miss Yuba-Sutter is Simrat Johal, a 16-year-old River Valley High School student with plans to pursue pre-med studies at UC Davis. Johal called the program life changing.

“It’s helped me find my voice, grow in confidence, and feel more connected to the community that has always supported me,” Johal said. “I’m so thankful for the friendships, lessons, and opportunities this program has given me.”

Miss Yuba-Sutter Scholarship Program crowned its newest royal court. Photo courtesy of Yuba-Sutter Fair Scholarship Program

The court also includes Yuba-Sutter Ambassador Toby Dominguez, another River Valley High School student who said the program helped him become more confident in public speaking and community involvement.

From the Teen division, Ella Barrow earned the title of Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter, while Shayne Loyd was named Yuba-Sutter Teen Ambassador. Barrow, who hopes to study theater education and open a performing arts school, said the program taught her practical skills like speech writing and resume building.

In the Mini Miss division, 10-year-old Lillee Teagarden Vincent took home the crown, and William Damasio was named Yuba-Sutter Junior Ambassador. Damasio, an aspiring monster truck driver, said he’s excited to serve the community alongside fellow court members this year.

“This is my second year in the program and I have enjoyed it so much,” said Damasio. “As I serve my community this year, I look forward to working alongside other Royal Court members and promoting the program.”

The full list of the 2025 Yuba-Sutter Royal Court is as follows.

Miss Yuba-Sutter: Simrat Johal
Yuba-Sutter Ambassador: Toby Dominguez
1st Runner-Up: Brenna Campbell
Ambassador 1st Runner-Up: Isai Alvarado

Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter: Ella Barrow
Yuba-Sutter Teen Ambassador: Shayne Loyd
1st Runner-Up: Mannat Bhullar

2nd Runner-Up: Isabelle Hill

Mini Miss Yuba-Sutter: Lillee Teagarden Vincent
Yuba-Sutter Junior Ambassador: William Damasio
1st Runner-Up: Sadie Plasch
2nd Runner-Up: Piper Kelley