Miss Pomona to be crowned Jan. 22

The 2011 Miss Pomona will be crowned in a ceremony scheduled to take place Jan. 22, at the Pomona Fox Theater.

Miss Pomona and two princesses will be crowned after a long process that involves several elimination rounds to come up with three finalists.

Each of the finalists will deliver a prepared speech at the ceremony, according to a statement from the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, which is hosting the Miss Pomona Scholarship Pageant along with the Miss Pomona Pageant Committee.

Miss Pomona and the members of her court are selected based on academic scholarship, leadership skills, school and community involvement along with written and verbal communication skills, the statement said.

"The Miss Pomona Scholarship Pageant is a great opportunity for our ambitious young ladies to celebrate their achievements, and help them pursue their dreams," said Betsy Santoyo, Miss Pomona 2010, in the statement. "I am very proud to have been able to participate in this event."

Miss Pomona and her court will receive scholarships and will make special appearances representing Pomona this year.

Miss Pomona will have the opportunity to apply and compete in the Miss Teen California pageant if she wishes.

Serving on this year's judging panel will be Richard Martinez, Pomona Unified School District superintendent; Carolyn Hemming, president of the Downtown Pomona Owners Association; Ginna Escobar, Pomona councilwoman; Philip Pumerantz, president of Western University of Health Sciences; and Pat Lambert, Pomona Public Library senior librarian.

Sponsors at all levels are being sought for the event.

"It is only through the generous contributions from our sponsors that we are able to provide these bright young ladies with scholarships to help them along as they further pursue their academic interests," said Mickey Gallivan, co-chairwoman of the Pageant Committee. "And for all of their dedicated support we are truly grateful."

For more on sponsorship opportunities visit www.metropomona.com.