Arroyo Valley Student Named Miss Black San Bernardino

Noelle Lilley takes the title as this year's Miss Black San Bernardino Queen after nabbing the crown during the 2014 Miss Black San Bernardino Pageant. Lilley, a 17 year old Arroyo Valley High School student, was in the running against six other young women for the crown: April Butler, Alaysia Clark, Bobbie McFerson, Abigail Roney, LeAnn Pollard and Ashley Roney. Lilley was joined in the court by first runner-up Leanna Pollard, a 20 year old Cal State San Bernardino student, and second runner-up Bobbie McFerson, a 16 year old Arroyo Valley High School student. "These young ladies are amazing and have been working hard for a chance to compete for the title of 2014 Miss Black San Bernardino," Lori Keith, Pageant Coordinator, who began working on the pageant this April, along with friend and co-choordinator Sandra Trapp, said. Competing women are African American community members in the Inland Empire between the ages of 16 and 21. "I feel the pageant was a success. I believe it has much more potential to become a high profile event with the right people with the same vision and on the same page. It takes everyone's help to raise money, (including) corporate sponsors who have a vested interest in helping the pageant achieve its financial goals, especially when you are looking to reward the competitors with any scholarship funding." The pageant event is hosted by the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, a local non-profit run by volunteers, who for 40 years have provided scholarships for community youth to help cover the cost of higher education. This year marked the pageant's 45th year. Lilley, an intern with The Westside Story newspaper, plans to attend Arizona State University and major in journalism after she graduates high school this year. Kieth said she feels pageants such as this one are beneficial for the young women who participate. "It creates a platform for young ladies who need guidance and encouragement in the areas of self esteem, etiquette, poise, grace, public speaking and developing their talents. To have the State Executive Director of the Miss Black California USA, Keisha Escamilla, and her Associate Director, Victoria Grimmett Rabb, attend our event was a very special honor for our contestants and community. Noelle Lilley, Queen, and Leanna Pollard, first runner up, were both selected to participate in the Miss Black California USA pageant this fall. We are excited to coach them this year up until the national event. Alaycia Clark will be running for the Miss Black Teen California USA this fall too. She was also a great contestant. The most rewarding thing was rehearsing with these young ladies every week!" This year the pageant was put on by a team including Sandra Tapp, April Siler, Patrice Pruitt, Karen Brown and Kieth. [END] 2014 Miss Black San Bernardino Pageant Date: Saturday, January 25, 2014 Time: 6:00 p.m. Google Map Event Location: Inghram Community Center Address: 2050 Mt. Vernon Ave. San Bernardino CA 92411 Description: Seven contestants will compete. Tickets $20/person. CONTACT INFO Email: Lori Keith lokeygcd@gmail.com. SAN BERNARDINO, CA-It's a new year with new roster of Miss Black San Bernardino contestants. The ladies that are in the running for the 2014 crown have been announced. "These young ladies are amazing and have been working hard for a chance to compete for the title of 2014 Miss Black San Bernardino," Lori Keith, Pageant Coordinator, said. The young women who will be gracing the stage will consist of April Butler, Alaysia Clark, Bobbie McFerson, Abigail Roney, LeAnn Pollard, Noelle Lilley and Ashley Roney. The event will be held on Saturday, January 25 at the Inghram Community Center located at 2050 Mt. Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino 92411. The program will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at $20 per person. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please contact Lori Keith via email at lokeygcd@gmail.com. About Us The San Berardino Black Culture Foundation is a non-profit organization, run solely by volunteers. For 40 years we have been giving scholarships to the youth in our community to help with their college expenses. This program has helped many students achieve their goals in life, and we are glad to be a part of it. The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation is culturally diverse and committed to the development and understanding of African – American culture. As part of that development and understanding, our organization strives to provide meaningful socio-economic and educational programs for the benefit of the community We are always looking for community-based volunteers as well. Volunteers aid the community in various ways. To learn more, call (909) 888-1696, or email secretary@sbbcfoundation.org