GRIC youth crowned at Phoenix Union High School District royalty pageants

April 21, 2023 

Velia Moncada

Community Newsperson 

This month, two Phoenix Union High School District schools hosted their annual Native American royalty pageants.  Many Community youth attend Betty H. Fairfax High School and Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen so it was no surprise a number GRIC youth competed. 

This year Diego Rhodes from District 6 was awarded the 2023-24 Mr. Indian Fairfax title, accompanied by Charlize King, Navajo Nation, as the 2023-24 Miss Indian Fairfax on April 12.

Then on April 14 Jacob Lewis from District 6 was crowned the 2023-24 Mr. Indian Cesar Chavez High School.  And Morningstar Delowe, District 6, was crowned the  new 2023-24 Miss Indian Cesar Chavez High School.  

The schools’ pageantries allow Native American students to become ambassadors within their schools and showcase their cultural knowledge and values throughout their diverse school population. 

Betty Fairfax High School Pageant

On Wednesday, April 12, three contestants vied for the title of Mr. and Miss Betty Fairfax at the Betty Fairfax High School performing arts center.  The pageant began with greetings and a blessing from former 2022-23 Miss Betty Fairfax, Candace Foulke, from District 7.  The pageant then commenced with the introductions of Diego Rhodes, District 6, Jade Silas, District 6, Skye Donahue, District 6, and Charlize King from the Navajo Nation. 

The competition portion of the evening consisted of a talent showcase, traditional talent, cultural knowledge, and an “A Day in the Life” casual attire demonstration.  Finally, contestants answered questions about the night’s theme of “Honoring Our Wellbeing Through Truth Telling.” 

The evening included farewell remarks from 2022-23 Miss Betty Fairfax, Candace Foulke.  She also showcased her Pee Posh culture by dancing to bird songs during this time.  Looking ahead, Foulke is preparing to run for the 2023-24 Miss Indian PXU pageant in Nov.

After judges tallied their scores, Diego Rhodes and Charlize King were announced as the new 2023-24 Mr. and Miss Indian Betty Fairfax, with Jade Silas serving as Ms. Indian Fairfax First Attendant.  

Diego Rhodes looks forward to representing his peers and working with new people throughout his reign.  Likewise,  Charlize King looks forward to representing Betty H. Fairfax as an Indigenous woman.

Cesar Chavez High School Pageant

Then on April 14, Cesar Chavez High School hosted its 2023-24 Mr. and Miss Indian Cesar Chavez High School pageant.  Three contestants competed this year—Morningstar Delowe, District 6, Alexiana Goldtooth, District 6, for Miss Indian Cesar Chavez High School, and Jacob Lewis, District 6, for Mr. Indian Cesar Chavez High School.

“We are happy that you are here tonight with us, because this pageant hasn’t happened in a couple of years, and we are excited to bring back the Miss but also we are starting the Mister as well,” said Anna Blackwater, GRIC Tribal Education Department Student Advisor.

Like Betty H. Fairfax, the judged programming for the evening included a talent showcase, traditional talent, cultural knowledge, and “A Day in the Life” casual attire demonstration.  Finally, contestants answered questions about the night’s theme of “Embracing Our Identity by Sharing Our Stories.” 

After the program, judges crowned Morningstar Delowe as the 2023-24  Miss Indian Cesar Chavez High School and Jacob Lewis as the 2023-24 Mr. Indian Cesar Chavez High School. 

Delowe plans to serve as an excellent example as a Native student and embrace more of her culture in school while also teaching younger students her traditional customs.  Meanwhile, Jacob Lewis plans on using his title to learn more about his culture by hosting cultural events during the school year.