Cardinal City Announces New Miss Cardinal City

The sound of a drum roll filled Sturges Center for the Fine Arts Saturday Sept. 21, as the audience anticipated the announcement of the winner of the Miss Cardinal City pageant. Attendees gathered at the center on North E Street at 6 p.m. for the beginning of the ninth annual Miss Cardinal City beauty pageant which saw Carolina Beltran crowned as the new Miss Cardinal City for the year cycle of 2013–2014. Twenty-two contestants where vying for the coveted title—all of them seniors at San Bernardino High School, the oldest in the county, otherwise known as Cardinal City High—which the winner holds for a full year. The pageant is meant to find a candidate to represent all the different noteworthy aspects of San Bernardino High School. “It inspires young kids who live in inner-city communities to get out of their comfort zone,” said Jamie Rios, coordinator of the Mr. and Miss Cardinal City pageants. “It’s not only about the glitz and the glamour [the Miss Cardinal City pageant] but also about the community.” Girls are eligible to participate in the pageant when they finish their required community service hours and are seniors at San Bernardino High School, stated Rios. “Don’t give me money, give back to your community,” said Rios. Rios also insisted many of the past contestants were normally shy, but by participating in the pageant they become more confident and sure of themselves. “Win or lose, the contestants take the experience of being part of the pageant with them,” added Rios. “If you don’t try at least once, you’ll never know what could have happened. You have nothing to lose,” added Rios. Miss Cardinal has grown over the past nine years and the support of the community is a big factor. “All of the volunteers, the sponsors, everyone involved make this pageant possible. It brings joy to me that we have the support of the community,” shared Rios. Miss Cardinal City is held each fall and Mr. Cardinal City is held in the spring when the contestants are at the end of their junior year. The winners will attend various events throughout the year and volunteer at various locations. Winners are also helped with college and scholarship applications, interview skills, and given a portfolio showcasing their hard work throughout the year of their reign.