A 13-year-old who attends Rancho San Justo Middle School is vying to compete in the Miss Jr. Teen San Jose/Oakland competition later this month and needs sponsor money to get there.
Maranda Nokyos of Hollister was recently accepted for the contest set for Nov. 23. Nokyos’ deadline for sponsorship commitments is Sunday.
The pageant announced selections after interviewing her at a hotel near the San Jose airport. Her mother, Nancie Lopez, said the competition focuses on personality.
Lopez believes such pageants can be another avenue for girls to pursue outside of academics or athletics.
“There are other talents that girls can maybe go toward,” she said.
Through the sponsorships, the contestant receives necessary training, rehearsals and financial support. Any business, organization or person who would like to sponsor her, call the Miss Jr. Teen San Jose/Oakland pageant coordinator at 1-877-403-6678.