CourtesyTwo Carson City sisters will compete next month in the state pageant. Miss Carson City Marisela Avitia, 18, left, hopes to be crowned Miss Nevada, and Miss Eagle Valley Outstanding Teen Adriana Avitia, 17, is competing for the title of Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen.
Two Carson City sisters are preparing this week for the Miss Nevada and Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen pageants, said Shauna Bartshe, pageant executive director for the Carson City/Douglas County area.
Marisela Avitia, 18, and Adriana Avitia, 17, whose family owns El Charro Avitia in south Carson City were both excited by their wins, since this was the first time either had entered a pageant.
"This is honestly the best thing that has ever happened in my life," said Marisela. "Miss Carson City was my first pageant, and I'm hoping my innocence will help me win Miss Nevada."
Marisela was crowned Miss Carson City in February at the Carson City Community Center.
Her platform is Healthy for Life: Promoting Positive Choices for Food, Fitness and Fun, and for her talent, she will perform as an open championship Irish dancer.
Her younger sister, Adriana Avitia, 17, was crowned Miss Eagle Valley Outstanding Teen during a March pageant held in Mesquite. For her talent, she will sing, "I Stand," by Idina Menzel. Adriana's platform is Food for Thought: Taking Action Against Child Hunger.
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to work with the community to choose a platform and have them be a part of it," Adriana said.
The Avitia sisters said they are very grateful to their sponsors: Mike's Pharmacy, Comstock Mobile Park, El Charro Avitia, Firkin & Fox, Wendy Hoag Designs, Cyndi's Sierra Styles, Carson City Florist, Capital Classic Productions, Alberto's Boot and Shoe Repair, Adele's, Carson Tahoe Endocrinology, Dr. Stephen Pallazzolo, Ming's Restaurant, Northern Nevada Coin, Pastiche, China Chef, and Les Schwab Tires.
The state pageant will be held in Mesquite over two evenings, July 2-3, but the girls leave June 26 for Miss Nevada Week.
Other local girls to participate in the July pageant are:
• Miss Lake Tahoe, Diana Sweeney.
• Miss Carson City Outstanding Teen, Jordan Lamoreaux.
• Miss Douglas County, Shalynn Swalls.
• Miss Outstanding Teen Douglas County, Leah Walters.