14 girls vying for title

Fourteen girls will competing for the title of 2020 Distinguished Young Woman of Shafter, who will be announced on Friday, March 20.

The winner of the competition receiving a scholarship as well as the right to represent Shafter in the state competition held in Bakersfield in July. The program is the oldest scholarship program in the nation for junior girls.

The girls have been preparing for the big night in rehearsals, as well as practicing on their own to refine their talent performance, get used to speaking in public and expressing themselves in a pressure situation.

Santana DeLaRosa is the daughter of Juan and Roselinda DeLaRosa and is sponsored by DTS and Fabrication. She will be escorted by Arnold Gomez, and she will be perform a painting demonstration in the talent portion. Santana's activities include painting, track and field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, church youth group, women's small group, FFA, volleyball, time with friends and family.

The daughter of Carlos and Amanda Mejia, Abigail Mejia is sponsored by Lencioni Farm Services. She will be performing a vocal. Her activities include FFA, junior church volunteer, fall harvest and Sequoia School Father/Daughter Dance volunteer. Abigail will be escorted by Jensen Boyt.

Victoria Munoz is the daughter of Rachel Arismendez and Vicente Munoz and is sponsored by Sonic Drive In. Victoria will be performing a Color Guard routine and will be escorted by Jonathan Sanchez. Munoz's activities include softball, Color Guard, drawing, dancing, theater and tennis.

Jane Saenz will be escorted by Jacub Bill and is sponsored by the Shafter Woman's Club. Saenz is the daughter of Michelle Martinez. She will perform a baritone saxophone to "Havana."

Saenz's activities include swimming, coloring, reading, painting, biking, FFA, band, music, family time and work in the Student Store.

The daughter of Ana Garcia, Cathy Garcia is being sponsored by Jack and Carolyn Pandol of The Grapery and will be escorted by Julian Bloemhof. Cathy loves time with friends, being co-captain of the varsity cheer squad, president of NAMI Club, Mecha Club, yearbook staff, St. Therese Youth Group, ice skating and movies. Cathy will be doing a cheer dance routine.

Destiny Arreola is the daughter of Frank and Ely Arreola and is being sponsored by the Shafter Lions Club. Destiny is being escorted by Nick Aguirre and will be singing to the number "Waving Through a Window." She enjoys singing, acting and batting.

The daughter of Neptali and Juliana Galindo, Arly Galindo will be escorted by Bryant Flores and sponsored by Shafter NAPA. Arly loves varsity tennis, marching band, varsity track and field, treasurer of the Student Council, member of Latin Leaders of Kern County, painting and reading. She will play the flute for her talent portion.

Mia Faith Arredondo is the daughter of Adrian and Rachel Arredondo and will be escorted by Luis Pedroza. She will be performing a wheelchair routine to "Fight Song." Mia's activities include Link Crew (a high school service club), volunteer/community service, music, travel and family time. Her sponsor is the Rotary Club.

Alleigh Hanner is the daughter of Mike and Sara Watts and Matthew Hanner and is being sponsored by Hall Ambulance. Her escort for the evening is Caleb Wilson, and she will be playing the ukulele. Alleigh's activities include Link Crew, basketball, volleyball, swim, youth group, RYLA, SHS Fall Harvest and Kern Yes.

The daughter of Ramon and Joanna Ortiz, Azuzena Ortiz is being sponsored by Sun Country Flowers. Her activities include FFA, Special Olympics Southern California volunteer, greenhouse caretaker, showing swine and public speaking. Azuzena will be performing a monologue.

Maelyn Camacho is the daughter of Noe and Bobbi Comacho. Camacho will be escorted by Luis Suarez and is being sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Maelyn will play the saxophone for the talent portion of the night. Camacho's activities include Girl Scout board of directors, ASB, varsity tennis, Link Crew, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Latina Leadership, varsity track and field, Jazz Band and band.

Alicia Pompa is the daughter of Gerardo and Michelle Pompa and will be escorted by Dustin Shipley. Alicia is being sponsored by Handel and Wilson Farms and will be performing a Folkloric Dance routine. Pompa's activities include softball, church youth group, Shafter High ASB.

Shelbee Ramos is the daughter of Bree and Richie Colvard. Her sponsor is Richland Chevrolet. She will be singing for her talent and her activities include Link Crew, Cheer, RYLA, Church youth group, child care community service, and time with friends and family.

Lilian Jaime is the daughter of Victor and Amanda Jaime. The Rock Church is her sponsor, and her escort is Oswaldo Contreras. She will play the piano. Her activities include Sunday School volunteer, band, Girl Scouts and volleyball.