Community Corner
Miss South Gate 2012 Pageant Crowns The Oldest
A 25 year old woman, Jennifer Felix, beat out eight women younger than herself for the title of Miss South Gate for 2012.
Among the sea of late teens and early 20 something-year-old contestants, Jennifer Felix, 25, won over the judges.
The Miss South Gate Pageant took place Friday night at the with more than 300 people in the audience.
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Aside from the usual on-stage questions, musical acts and evening gown display, contestants also had to personify an influential woman, something new to this year's pageant.
"Women are stepping up in society [and] I really wanted something to empower the girls and let them know that women are dominant and they can really step out of their shell," pageant director and 2007 Miss South Gate, Lindsay Cox said.
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Among the famous figures impersonated -- wearing period clothing -- by contestants were Barbara Walters, Amelia Earhart and the fictional character and WWII icon, "Rosie the Riveter."
"I'm really proud of Lindsay for coming up with this concept. Rather than just have the ladies come out in a bathing suit," said South Gate Mayor, Bill De Witt.
The judges chose Felix although she was well past the ages of the other contestants.
"She is at the very edge of the age range and she decided, 'well I've never done anything like this but I am going to go for it and give it my all' and she did," said Brenda Bobadilla-Mendoza, one of the judges and a grad student at USC.
However, the judges did not hesitate to compliment the amount of work and effort put on by all the contestants.
As Miss South Gate, Felix will have to attend city events and ceremonies among other things throughout the year, and will be able to receive an academic scholarship at the end of her term.
Three princesses were also crowned, including 16-year-old Yary Flores, 21-year-old Sol Salguero and 19-year-old Jocelin Aguirre. Miriam Serrano was named runner up in case Miss South Gate cannot fulfill her duties.
Those interested in running for Miss South Gate for next year may click here.
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