Celebrating Excellence at the Miss Juneteenth Nevada Scholarship Program Pageant
The Miss Juneteenth Nevada Scholarship Program Pageant, a grand celebration of talent, beauty, and cultural heritage, took place on June 1 at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre in the Historic West Side of Las Vegas. With an enthusiastic turnout of 150 attendees, the event shone brightly, highlighting the significance of Juneteenth and showcasing the exceptional young women who participated.
A Night to Remember
Hosted by the charismatic Tyriq Johnson, the lead singer of the renowned tribute band Serpentine Fire, the evening was filled with excitement and anticipation. The audience was treated to delightful musical accompaniment by the talented Woody Woods, adding a melodious backdrop to the proceedings.
Distinguished Judges
The panel of judges brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the competition. Susan Beaubian, Rev. Dr. Lori McMacken, and the legendary Antonio Fargas carefully evaluated each contestant, considering various aspects of their performances and presentations.
Leadership and Support
The event was seamlessly organized under the visionary leadership of Miss Juneteenth Nevada Director MarQue Munday and President Deborah "Dee" Evans. Their dedication and hard work ensured a memorable and impactful evening for all involved. A special acknowledgment goes to the Super Sisterhood, a remarkable group of eight outstanding professional women entrepreneurs who lent their expertise and support. This dynamic group played a crucial role in both securing community sponsors and providing invaluable backstage assistance, contributing significantly to the overall success of the pageant. The presence of Assemblywoman Claire Thomas further underscored the importance of the occasion and the support from the broader community.
Capturing the Moments
The pageant's special moments were beautifully captured by photographer David Womack, while videographer Luggnutz ensured that the event was documented for posterity, allowing the memories to be cherished for years to come.
Celebrating the Juneteenth Ambassadors
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the delegates crossover to Juneteenth Ambassadors, who each brought their unique charm and excellence to the stage:

• Miss Juneteenth Nevada Queen: Charlee Ann Hadley
• 1st Runner Up: Jonniya Shaw
• 2nd Runner Up: Kaylah Oliver
• People’s Choice: Joniyia Cook
• Miss Charisma: Courtney Mix
• Miss Merit: Jonniya Shaw
• Miss Congeniality: Kaylah Oliver

Each of these remarkable young women was recognized not only for their poise and talent but also for their embodiment of the values and spirit of Juneteenth.
A Community United
The Miss Juneteenth Nevada Scholarship Program Pageant is a celebration of heritage, empowerment, and community. The evening highlighted the importance of Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and underscored the continuing journey towards equality and recognition with each delegate reciting one of the 3 Freedom Documents.
Looking Forward
As the event came to a close, the excitement and inspiration were palpable. The Miss Juneteenth Nevada Scholarship Program Pageant not only honored the past but also looked forward to a future of continued progress and celebration of cultural heritage. The success of this event is a testament to the dedication of the organizers, participants, and the entire community, setting a high standard for future celebrations.
We look forward to witnessing the continued achievements of these outstanding young women and the ongoing celebration of Juneteenth in Nevada.