SAN RAMON, CA – While the audience cheered them on, 14 women from Contra Costa County graced the stage of the California High School Theater during the opening number of the Miss Contra Costa County competition. This scholarship event took place during the evening of November 7th, in San Ramon.
Kelsey Cardamone was crowned the title of Miss Contra Costa County 2016, along with the award of Miss Congeniality, which was voted on by the other contestants. Cardamone performed a captivating dance to, “I’m Feeling Good” during the talent portion of competition. During the evening wear segment, the Brentwood resident commanded the stage in her white gown adorned with teal beading.
“I’m so excited to start doing events in my community!” said Cardamone to her new Executive Director, Paula Gross, after she was crowned. Cardamone went on to say, “It’s an absolute honor to have been voted Miss Congeniality by my peers. I have always lived by the golden rule; treat others the way you want to be treated. My family has always shown me this and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They have always shown me kindness and the importance of treating others with respect.”
Cardamone’s year of service will be focused on “Alzheimer’s Awareness and Prevention” and was inspired by her personal family experience with the disease. As Miss Contra Costa County, her goals include making sure that everyone is aware of the disease and steps to possibly prevent further onset and maintain once diagnosed.
Ayra Demirovich, 14 year old resident of Walnut Creek, was named Miss Contra Costa County’s Outstanding Teen 2016. She performed an opera vocal to, “Glitter and Be Gay.” “I’m so happy I can’t believe this just happened!” proclaimed Demirovich shortly after being crowned. She will be dedicating her year of service to making people aware of the Importance of Art Education in California Schools.
“This year’s competition was fierce as each young woman is highly involved in their community, intelligent, loving, and truly follows the motto of Community Above Self. The judges had a difficult task of choosing just 2 young ladies to represent our county when truly each one of the 14 contestants would’ve been wonderful ambassadors. We have been given 2 wonderful titleholders, both will shine at Miss California and Miss California’s Outstanding Teen Competitions in June 2016 in Fresno,” commented, Paula Gross, Executive Director of the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Pageant.
Scholarships Awarded, Miss Contra Costa County
Miss Contra Costa County, $750-Kelsey Cardamone
First Runner Up, $250- Camille Dyquiangco
Second Runner Up, $200 – Heidi Cheung
Third Runner Up, $150 – Trisha Vijay
Fourth Runner Up, $100 – Daniela Martinez
Top Interview, $50- Heidi Cheung
Miss Congeniality, $50-Kelsey Cardamone
Scholarships Awarded, Miss Contra Costa County’s Outstanding Teen
Miss Contra Costa County’s OT, $250 –Ayra Demirovich
First Runner Up, $150- Claryssa Wilson
Top Interview, $50- Ayra Demirovich
Semi-Finalist- $50 – Marisa Gomez
Semi-Finalist- $50- Taylor Fraas
An official local preliminary to Miss California & Miss America
The Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Organization is one of the newest local preliminaries
of the Miss America Organization, the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for
young women. Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations
made available more than $49 million in cash and scholarship assistance.
