Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Buena Park
By Loreen Berlin
Soroptimist International of Buena Park recently held interviews for the 2018-2019 Miss Buena Park.
The winner and her court members will be announced during the upcoming annual ball, “Spotlight on Service,” hosted by the Soroptimists on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (7675 Crescent Ave.).
Chairperson Mary Sutherland said, “Please join us for an evening of dinner and dancing, highlighted by the coronation of Miss Buena Park 2018-2019.”
The 44th Annual Black and White Charity Ball is Black Tie or Cocktail attire and is $65 per person by reservation or $75 at the door. All reservations are necessary by Friday, Sept. 21.
RSVP to Soroptimist Cindy del Hierro at cindydelhierro@aol.com.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres are at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
Vying for the coveted position of Miss Buena Park are three young ladies who attend Buena Park High School. They are Jenny Yoo, Kelly Smith-Bennett and Julia Cruze.
“The Miss Buena Park Scholarship Program, which is sponsored by Soroptimist International of Buena Park, is made up of young ladies who demonstrate a combination of leadership skills, service accountability and poise,” said Sutherland. “The Miss Buena Park court members are ambassadors for our city and surrounding communities in Orange County, working with various charitable organizations throughout the year.”
Sutherland said the young ladies never stop learning, nor caring about others.
“This year all of the girls are in Honors classes and maintain a 4.0 grade average. Look around you and see all the amazing young people and give them a hand for they make up our city and will be the leaders of tomorrow,” Sutherland said. “I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful program. I wish each girl the very best. They are all winners and there is no limit to their potential because there is no limit to their dreams. Dream high on this journey and you will achieve that goal.”
Following is a profile of each of the young ladies in alphabetical order by first name:
Jenny is the Vice President of Youth Leadership America for 2018-2019 and was an Associate during 2017-2018. She is also the Key Club Lieutenant Governor for 2018-2019 and Key Club Executive Assistant for 2017-2018. Earlier Key Club positions include Vice President and Secretary. She is currently a Buena Park High School (BPHS) Coyotes Ambassador and a National Honor Society member and attends Cal State Fullerton while still at Buena Park High School. She enjoys Varsity Cheerleading and serving as Cheerleading Manager. Awards include Top Ten GPA Award, BPHS Distinguished Scholar and Key Club D3ON Distinguished Officer. Jenny has participated in community projects through the Key Club and ASB and is a weekly volunteer with her church ministry.
“I love meeting new people, yoga, urban development and housing,” she said.
Julia has been in the Honors Academy since 2014, which is designed to meet the learning needs of highly motivated and academically successful students. She is a member of Speech and Debate and was in the Math Club in elementary and junior high school. She enjoys women’s soccer, cross country and track and field and dancing.
Her hobbies include swimming, dance, soccer, running and speech and debate.
“I look forward to the opportunities of serving the city of Buena Park and the local communities,” said Julia.
Kelly is a member of the Keystone and Smart Girls programs with the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park. She is also an AFJROTC Squadron Chief and she serves as the Orange Section Vice President on the leadership team of her high school’s agricultural department. She is also in the National Society for High School Scholars. At Christmastime Kelly participates with the Knights of Columbus’ feeding the homeless and helps pass out toys to children through her agriculture program along with helping to gather clothing, socks and canned goods for a food drive.
Through her agriculture program, Kelly raises steers and lambs and also has planted fruits and vegetables at school that were served as part of the school lunches. In her free time, Kelly loves dancing and says it is her “absolute favorite thing to do.”
She also plays the bass guitar.
“My best interest is in leadership and I will take any opportunity I have to be a leader.”
“Through community service, the girls learn how important developing a sense of volunteerism is in their city, community and school, as part of their journey in life,” said Sutherland. “I enjoy watching the individual girls grow and develop in many areas through the Miss Buena Park contestant process.”
Former Miss Buena Park winners Emily Parker (2013-2014) and April Ortega (2015-2016) are now members of Soroptimist and as such will be assisting longtime Miss Buena Park Chairperson Mary Sutherland in the process of the scholarship program, further taking leadership roles.
For Soroptimist information, email sibuenapark@soroptimist.net.
