2024 Gila River Royalty Pageant: Susanna Osife crowned Miss Gila River, Shayla Davis is Jr. Miss Gila River
GRIN Staff
Gila River Indian News
Susanna Osife, District 2, the 21-year-old former Jr. Miss Gila River 2019-2020, was crowned Miss Gila River 2024-2025 at the Gila River Royalty Pageant on March 9, at the District 4 Multi-Purpose Building. Thalia Ayala, District 1, was named Miss Gila First Attendant.
“It is such an honor that I will be serving as your 2024-2025 Miss Gila River,” said Osife.
Shayla Davis, District 1, won the crown of Jr. Miss Gila River 2024-2025, joining Osife for a year-long reign as titleholder.
Davis also said she was honored and humbled to serve the Community as Jr. Miss Gila River.
“My friends, my family, they all pushed me to do this and I’m so glad I took this opportunity,” said Davis.
Bria Hutchinson, District 3, was named Jr. Miss Gila River First Attendant and Skye Donahue, District 6, was named Jr. Miss Gila River Second Attendant.
The five contestants participated in introductions, a traditional talent and modern attire with impromptu questions.
The pageant followed a week of preparation leading up to the annual showcase for the contestants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and their ability to perform the duties of Miss Gila River.
A large audience witnessed the pageant in-person with supporters occupying all the available seats including bleachers. Gila River Broadcasting Corp. also broadcasted the pageant live for TV viewers, which began promptly at 5 p.m. and ended at 7 p.m.
Tribal leadership attended the pageant, which included Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Regina Antone as well as representatives from Community Council.
“It was a packed house,” said Gov. Lewis.
He said all the contestants were “talented,” and that he recognized future leaders in the new court.
“The seeds of leadership are strong,” said Gov. Lewis
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Lt. Gov. Antone said she was very impressed with the pageant and the composure of all the candidates calling them “poised” and “experienced.”
Pamela Thompson, former Miss Gila River 1981, was the MC for the event and gave special recognition to the several other former Miss Gila River titleholders on hand for the evening.
Thompson also recognized visiting royalty who congratulated this year’s winners following the pageant.
Before passing on the crowns to the winners, former Miss Gila River Mavis Thomas and former Jr. Miss Gila River Eleanor Lynch each gave a farewell address and received special gifts for their reign as Gila River Royalty.
“As I embark on a new chapter in my life, I will carry along the lessons learned, the friendships forged and the love shared,” said Thomas.
Lynch gave many thanks to her supporters and said she was ready to, “sashay away,” in the words of RuPaul.
With an exciting year ahead, Osife said she is prepared for her upcoming reign with the entire royalty court.
“I know that this group of young ladies will make the biggest impact and I’m so proud that you get to experience that with us,” said Osife.