There’s a new Miss Silverado Days in Buena Park.
Her name: Melissa Suffield.
Suffield, who served as last year’s first runner-up, was named “Miss Silverado 2012-2013 as a result of her participation in the Buena Park Noon Lions Club’s scholarship contest. She reigned with her court members at the three-day “Silverado Days” that unfolded last month at William Peak Park.
The other members of the court included first runner-up Samantha Salazar and second runner-up Julia Degen.
There’s a new Miss Silverado Days in Buena Park.
Her name: Melissa Suffield.
Suffield, who served as last year’s first runner-up, was named “Miss Silverado 2012-2013 as a result of her participation in the Buena Park Noon Lions Club’s scholarship contest. She reigned with her court members at the three-day “Silverado Days” that unfolded last month at William Peak Park.
The other members of the court included first runner-up Samantha Salazar and second runner-up Julia Degen.
When chosen as Miss Silverado, or a court member, winners must attend the three-day Silverado Days, plus the kick-off event held before by the Lions Club at William Peak Park.
Throughout the year, Suffield will work with the Lions at most of their events, such as the annual Children’s Shopping Spree, which comes up Saturday, Dec. 8. She will also partake in the Lions fundraisers/pancake breakfasts and attend various community events. Last weekend, she rode in the La Palma Days Parade. She will also attend the annual Memorial Day service, summer concerts in the park, Relay for Life events, ribbon cuttings, kick-offs and grand openings in Buena Park.
As for her background, Suffield graduated from Buena Park High School, where she held the vice presidency and presidency of the Reading Club. She became involved in theater classes and worked as a member of the cabinet for theater department.
Additionally, Suffield volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park and remains an active member within her church, through which she serves the community. Suffield also volunteers at the YMCA and with the Young Republicans at the Richard Nixon Library.
“It is true that it’s more gratifying to give than to receive, and when it comes to the city of Buena Park and the Noon Lions club, nothing gives me greater pleasure than being able to serve and give back to the city and the organization that has given me so much,” Suffield said. “Being the 2011 Silverado Days Princess gave me a greater appreciation for the city as I have taken part in volunteer and serving opportunities … and I love serving this community and taking part in the community with the Noon Lions and Silverado Days.”
Suffield said that Silverado Days offered a great outlet for her to give back to the community while representing it and her family traditions in an excellent and productive way.
“I know through this program, I will grow and be a better, more well-rounded and involved person in the community,” she said.
Salazar is active in Disney photography, professionally. She is director of the juniors program at the Buena Park Youth Theatre and earned second runner-up Miss Silverado in 2009.
She plays softball, enjoys art and helps organize princess-themed birthday parties for children, who she dresses up as different princesses, decorates with face paintings, entertains with stories and teaches/helps them as they do arts and crafts.
“I like to use a combination of my creative eye and communication skills to make an impact on people,” she said.
Salazar credited the Buena Park Youth Theatre, founded by retired teacher Ruth Walp, for keeping her in touch with the Buena Park community. She began her BPYT career behind the scenes in “Footloose,” and later was cast as an ensemble character in “Pirates of Penzance” before working her way up to leading roles.
Salazar, who is currently in school, plans to attend the two-year radiography program at Cypress College, where she will become an X-ray technician, while maintaining her photography business that she started in 2008.
Degen achieved a blue belt in self defense, which is one level below black belt. She has assisted in training others at lower belt levels as well.
During high school, she assisted and taught the first-grade class at her church, the Cornerstone of Anaheim, and later transitioned to a leader of the high school group.
At Biola University, she became the secretary and then the president of the Biola Accounting Society.
She launched a career as an accounting and auditing associate with BHF&W and has worked to obtain her Certification in Public Accounting degree.
For Buena Park Noon Lions Club information, call President Art Brown at 714-292-1927 or visit SilveradoDays.com
