MISS LA MESA AND MISS SANTEE QUEENS CROWNED

Santee Mayor, Randy Voepel presenting Sierra Billock and Nicole Ehlke	La Mesa Mayor, Art Madrid presenting Stephanie Packard and Katarina Schweitzer

March 10, 2009 (Santee) — Cheers and tears of joy greeted the crowning of Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee on Friday, March 6, 2009. The pageants have been a tradition in the two cities since the late 1960's, providing a mentoring program for young women. Mayors Art Madrid and Randy Voepel were in attendance to formally present Miss La Mesa 2009 Stephanie Packard, Miss La Mesa Teen 2009 Katarina Schweitzer, Miss Santee 2009 Sierra Billock and Miss Santee Teen 2009 Nicole Ehlke.

A total of 30 young women from East County entered the pageants in hopes of becoming their new city ambassadors. The contestants were scored on personal interview, speech, poise and personality, sportswear, evening gown and an on stage question. Winners will advance to the Miss Greater San Diego Pageant, the official preliminary to Miss California USA and Miss USA.

The results for the City of La Mesa were as follows:

The results for the City of Santee were as follows:

Mary England, president of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, with Miss La Mesa Stephanie Packard and Mayor Art Madrid

Stephanie Packard, Miss La Mesa 2009, is a 19-year-old freshman attending Grossmont College. She works at Panera Bakery, aspires to become a broadcast journalist and is an outstanding vocalist and actress. Stephanie will receive a $300.00 college scholarship which was donated by several local La Mesa businesses.

Katarina Schweitzer, Miss La Mesa Teen 2009 is a 14-year-old freshman at Grossmont High School. She aspires to become an officer in the United States Navy. She enjoys acting, cheerleading and has received numerous academic awards. Katarina will receive a $125.00 Viejas Scholarship.

Sierra Billock, Miss Santee 2009, is a 21-year-old junior attending San Marcos State University. She is a Marketing major, works as a brand manager for Bath and Body Works, and enjoys golfing. Sierra will receive a $300.00 college scholarship which was donated by several local Santee businesses.

Warren Savage and Mary England of the Santee and La Mesa Chambers of Commerce join with Mayors and pageant winners from both cities.

Nicole Ehlke, Miss Santee Teen 2009 is a 16-year-old junior attending West Hills High School. She works as a tutor at her school and aspires to become a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse. She is on the principal's honor roll and is a volunteer at Alvarado Hospital. Nicole will receive a $125.00 Viejas Scholarship.