Miss Pomona contest finalists announced

The Downtown Pomona Owners Association and the Miss Pomona Pageant Committee announced this week the names of the three finalists in the 2011 Miss Pomona Scholarship Pageant.

The finalists are Jessie Gomez, a junior at Diamond Ranch High School; Danielle Cruz Garcia, a junior at Diamond Ranch; and Mansi Patel, a senior at Village Academy High School.

"Selecting the three finalists for the Miss Pomona Pageant was not an easy process. Each candidate that we interviewed was incredibly special in her own unique way," said Mickey Gallivan, co-chairwoman of the Pageant Committee in a statement.

The final phase of competition will take place at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Pomona Fox Theater, 301 S. Garey Ave. On that evening, each finalist will deliver a speech on a topic related to Pomona. A panel of judges will then determine the winner, who will be crowned that evening.

Contestants are judged based on academic scholarship, leadership skills, school and community involvement and verbal and written communication skills, the statement said.

Miss Pomona and her court will be awarded scholarships and will make appearances representing the city at various events during the year.

The winner of Miss Pomona will also have the opportunity to compete for the Miss Teen California pageant.

For information on the event or for sponsorship opportunities, visit www.metropomona.com