It’s a pair of queens

By Brittany Hanson/Garden Grove Journal

Karina Valdez and Missy Mendoza

With new crowns pinned to their heads and armed with bouquets of roses, Missy Mendoza, 19, and Karina Valdez, 16, became the new Miss Garden Grove and Garden Grove’s Outstanding Teen last Friday night at the Marriott Suites hotel in Garden Grove.

Mendoza said, “I can’t believe this. I’m very excited . . . I’m so excited to serve my community and all the experiences this is going to bring. I’m also excited to work more on my platform.”

Mendoza’s platform is about prevention of and education about drunk driving and Valdez’ is self-image.

Mendoza competed with a talent portion of singing, “The Wizard and I,” and Valdez competed with a lyrical dance to the song “Beautiful Flower.”

After winning the title of Garden Grove’s Outstanding Teen, Valdez said, “I’m really overwhelmed by all this, all the attention. I guess when I get home, I’ll celebrate with my family and call all my family who couldn’t be here tonight. I’m really excited about getting to know everyone in the court better and working in the community.”

Third runner up for the “Miss” is Robin Suarez, second is Christy Genta and Julia McCurdie is first runner up.

In the “Teen” competition second runner up is Isabella Garcia and first runner up is Payton Rice.

Competitors in “Miss” are judged in 5 categories, which make up their entire percentage score.

First is talent, 35 percent, interview, 25 percent, evening wear, 20 percent, lifestyle and fitness in a swimsuit, 15 percent and on-stage question, 5 percent.

In the “Teen” competition, the categories are the same, however, they do a fitness routine in sportswear instead of swimwear.

The Miss Garden Grove pageant has been going since 1959 and each year gives out money for scholarships.

This year there was over $5,000 in scholarships awarded to contestants.