Miss Indian Cesar Chavez 2024-2025 Crowned

Velia Moncada

Gila River Indian News

The Phoenix Union High School (PUHS) district’s Native American Education program partnered with the Gila River Indian Community’s (GRIC) Tribal Education Department (TED) to host the 2024-2025 Miss & Mr. Indian Cesar Chavez High School pageant on May 2, at the school’s performing arts center.

“We are just trying to get students interested in running for this pageant because it’s all about them and their cultural identity and being able to bring awareness to that,” said Lance Sanchez, K-12 Student advisor for GRIC TED.

Sanchez emphasized that the pageant encourages students to enhance their confidence, emerge as leaders within their school community, and embrace their Himdag (O’otham way of life).

Nevaeh Blackwater, District 6, emerged as the sole applicant for the pageant, representing the spirit of the occasion as she auditioned for the role of the 2024-2025 Miss Indian Cesar Chavez.

“I wanted to run for this, to know more about my culture, and step out of my comfort zone,” said Blackwater, reflecting on her motivation after being crowned as the new 2024-2025 Miss Indian Cesar Chavez.

Throughout the pageant, Blackwater presented her talents, including her ability in public speaking during her introduction, her graceful presentation of her cultural attire and dance performance, and her keen sense of fashion.

The evening also honored the 2023-2024 Miss Indian Cesar Chavez, Morningstar Delowe, of District 6, and Jacob Blackwater, also from District 6, who held the titles of the 2023-2024 first Mr. Indian Cesar Chavez and Mr. Indian Phoenix Union (PXU). The departing honorees delivered their farewell speeches, bidding appreciation to their reign. They were honored with gifts to commemorate their dedicated service before they passed the crown to the new royalty.