Arbuckle’s Chasey Miller was crowned 2022 Miss Colusa County on the opening night of the Colusa County Fair.
The 16-year-old is the daughter of Todd and Shelley Miller.
Miller’s infectious smile – with a personality to match – did not go unnoticed by the judges or the other contestants; Miller was also voted Miss Congeniality by the five other teens who vied for the title and the opportunity to represent Colusa County at community events for a full year.
While the final score was not something that occurred on stage, Miller was a dazzling competitor – both poised and confident before a large audience – which accounted for about 50 points out of 150 total points possible.
The personal interview, in which the judges got to gauge the contestants’ communication skills, maturity, individuality, personal standards, and future goals, occurred earlier for 40 points. Miller’s community involvement counted for 15 points.
Miller is a familiar face as an employee for Arbuckle Parks and Recreation District, but the Pierce High School senior said she ran for Miss Colusa County to further her involvement in the community.
“Giving back to my community has always been a key part in my life,” Miller said during her onstage introduction. “By working for Arbuckle Parks and Recreation District, I have built stronger relationships with my community.”
The 5’ 7″ beauty maintains a 4.0 grade point average, which helped her nail the academic achievement portion of the competition. She loves riding horses, reading, and art.
Miller has been in FFA since her freshman year, holding officer positions, and will serve as president her senior year. She showed a market hog at the fair.
Karsyn Gwinnup, 16, a former Mini Miss Colusa County, won the title first runner-up.
Gwinnup is the daughter of Michael Gwinnup and Amy and Bill Schmidt, of Colusa. She will be a senior this fall at Colusa High School, where she will be the FFA historian.
Gwinnup also showed hogs at the fair and played Redhawks volleyball (helping take her team her freshman year to win the section championship) and other sports.
All the contestants were spectacular, and each girl was asked to model clothing and give an engaging speech crafted around their choice of career.
Miller, in high-waisted black slacks and a crisp blouse, spoke of becoming an agriculture journalist. Gwinnup, dressed in a smart black business suit with white trim and a white hardhat, spoke about her future in real estate and community development.
Janet Gonzalez, the daughter of Arturo Gonzalez and Rosalina Toledo, of Maxwell, also competed in the pageant.
Gonzalez plans to major in agribusiness or business management but gave an engaging speech on stage about keeping her options for a career open.
Khloe Davalos, 17, the daughter of Lisandro and Yubani Davalos, of Williams, said she plans to become a criminal lawyer.
Laisha Izquierdo, 17, the daughter of Edgar Izquierdo and Vanessa Velasquez, of Maxwell, wants to bring beauty to the world as a cosmetologist.
Maryjo Wilson, 16, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Wilson, of Maxwell, plans to become a dental assistant.
Making his debut at the pageant was Guy Gomes, the new master of ceremonies and voice of the Colusa County Fair.
Gomes also oversaw the Mini Miss and Mr. Cinderfella pageants, and sang the national anthem at Colusa County Fair events.
Gomes replaced longtime announcer Jim Lemos, who was the voice of the Colusa County Fair for more than 20 years.
Miller reigned over the remaining Fair events and rode in the Colusa County Fair Parade, sponsored by the Lions Club on Friday.
Her duties include representing the Colusa County Fair at other pageants and representing
Colusa County at business openings and ribbon cuttings.
Miller was crowned by 2019 Miss Colusa County First runner-up Rosalyn Wilson, who has filled in at many community events the past three years for 2019 Miss Colusa County Melissa Ramirez, who went out of state for college after graduating from Maxwell High School.
Stardust dancers performed during the pageant, and 2022 Mini Miss Whitney Traynham performed “Popular,” which won the 13-year-old the crown the evening before. ■