Simms crowned Miss La Verne 2003

photo by Sylvia Castellanos

La Kia Simms, winner of the 2003 Miss La Verne Scholarship, is crowned by former queen Julianne Ibarra. From left: Raina Becerra, first runner-up, is consoled by Katrina Ordonez. Simms received a $1,200 scholarship for winning the contest.

by Monique Jimenez
Staff Writer

The five contestants stood under the spotlights, their hands clenched tightly together, as the name of the winner was announced.

La Kia Simms was named Miss La Verne 2003.

Raina Becerra's name was first announced as Miss La Verne 2003, but Field Director Tom Woods quickly walked onto the stage and made the correction that Becerra was the first runner up.

The Miss La Verne 2003 title was given to Simms, and in the flurry of of tears and confusion, Simms held her flowers with pride and accepted the crown for Miss La Verne 2003.

Saturday evening marked the sixth annual Miss La Verne pageant, held in Founders Hall on the University of La Verne campus.

There were five contestants participating this year.

From ULV were Simms, Amber McLaughlin, Raina Becerra, and Katrina Ordonez. The fifth contestant, Colleen Boland, attends Citrus College.

"I enjoyed working with each girl, as a group and as individuals," said Kelli Smith, the executive director.

"We all had fun this year and will remain in close contact," she said.

Contestants were judged in five categories: interview skills, physical fitness, talent, evening wear, and onstage questions.

A panel of five judges met the contestants early Saturday afternoon in an interview that Simms said was the most relaxing interview she ever had.

"The judges were very comfortable, and I wanted them to know as much about me as possible," she said.

The Miss La Verne program, a preliminary for Miss California and Miss America, is trying to stray away from being a beauty pageant, Smith said.

It is trying to distinguish itself as a scholarship program for women.

Local pageants, state pageants and the Miss America contest combined make up one of the largest scholarship programs for women in the world.

The contestant crowned Miss La Verne 2003 is awarded $1200. The first runner up gets $500. And even non-finalists receive a $100 scholarship award.

Throughout the evening, the contestants participated in different activities showcasing their talent, poise and personality.

"I had been in the pageant last year, and I play the saxophone," McLaughlin said. "I had my talent and I wanted to participate again."

Each woman also presented her platform, that is a social issue that holds great meaning and interest to her.

The women had been working on their platforms since October, they said.

Contestants talked of their personal experience connecting them to their issue.

Just before the crowing, Julianne Ibarra, Miss La Verne 2002, said her final farewell, expressing her gratitude and appreciation for the experience that she described as an opportunity to serve the city of La Verne.

Ibarra removed her crown and waved goodbye as she walked off the stage.

"It was good that they showed Miss La Verne 2002, say goodbye," said Martha Espinosa, an audience member. "It made the evening very personal."

The judges compiled their scores, and chose who they felt could uphold the title of Miss La Verne 2003.

Two other awards, besides the title Miss La Vern were given.

Simms was named "Most Photogenic 2003," and Colleen Boland received the "People's Choice Award 2003."

Simms said she chose to participate in the Miss La Verne contest because she was a contestant in the Miss Lakewood pageant previously.

She said she "wanted the experience and excitement to meet other women participating and just have fun."

Her platform had to do with placing foster children in safe and nurturing homes.

She said this was a passion of hers, not only because her mother works at a foster agency, but because she was inspired by her grandmother, who had adopted her cousin whose mother had died.

She also wanted the chance to win a scholarship prize.

As Miss La Verne 2003, Simms will have many responsibilities as a representative of the city of La Verne, including special making appearances at events and ribbon cuttings.

But the role she said she is most looking forward to is that of role model for youth, especially foster children, who, as she put it: "With any and all of my ability, I would like to do all that I can," she said.