Discover the Rose Queen contenders

In this second installment of our spotlight series on the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant candidates, we highlight the young women competing for the coveted title. These contestants reflect a range of talents, dreams and experiences. Last week's profiles of the other six contenders can be viewed on WascoTrib.com.

Cedes Saldaña, is proudly sponsored by Saldaña Welding and Fabrication. The daughter of Mando and Gracie Saldaña, Cedes has been working hard to represent her community with grace and poise. Her escort for the event is Hugo Marin, and her chaperone is Amanda Resendez.

Cedes, a dedicated student-athlete, has set her sights on playing Division 1 softball while pursuing a bachelor's degree to become an elementary school teacher. She shared her excitement about the pageant, saying, "One thing I will cherish most about this entire experience is being able to be a part of something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl (like most little girls growing up in Wasco) and being surrounded by the other talented girls on that stage."

Support from her loved ones has played a crucial role in her journey. "My friends and family have supported me through this journey in so many ways with words of affirmation, encouragement and unconditional love. Without my family, I wouldn't be able to participate in the Rose Queen Pageant, so I am grateful for each and every one of them."

"One thing I'm most excited about on pageant day is getting to enjoy the rewards of our hard work over the summer, creating a memorable night for the City of Wasco, and enjoying every minute of the pageant," she said.

Yvette Torres is sponsored by the Wasco Bengals Cheer Organization. Her parents are Cynthia and Jorge Torres, and her escort is Anthony Martinez. "My aspirations are to get into a good school and have a bright future after college," she shared.

Balancing her many responsibilities has been a challenge. "I would describe my journey preparing for this competition as a roller coaster, juggling school and extracurricular activities, such as cheer and ASB. I have also been doing volunteer work in my community while participating in the pageant. This has been no easy task, but I always took it one day at a time."

She is excited for the community to see how hard the contestants have worked for the pageant over the past three to four months. "Preparing has been a long journey for all of us as we have had to push through all the rough times not only at practice but also at home and/or at school. All the hard work and dedication will be worth it once the community sees the pageant come to life."

Reflecting on her experience, she said, "One thing I'll cherish most about this experience is creating a stronger bond with all the contestants. I had known them all before starting this journey, but the pageant gave me the opportunity to grow a stronger relationship with them all individually. All the girls have unique personalities, and I had an amazing summer getting to know them personally during this once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

Briana Gonzalez is sponsored by the Polly Kelly Hughes family. The daughter of Mercedes Arteaga and Francisco Gonzalez, Briana has embraced the challenges and joys of participating in the event. Her escort is Kevin Rivera.

She has big dreams for her future. "My aspiration is to become a successful real estate agent, which will allow me to give back to my hardworking family," she said.

Throughout the pageant journey, Briana has found motivation in the shared experience with her fellow contestants. "What motivates me the most during the pageant is knowing that all my girls are facing the same struggles. We're all in the same boat, and knowing that together with each other's support, we'll overcome all of it," she explained.

The friendships and support Briana has gained have been a highlight of her experience. "The most rewarding part of being in this pageant is not only the amazing friendships that come along with it but also having such a strong and supportive committee. They make the pageant almost feel like a family," she explained.

"My bond with the other contestants has definitely grown stronger. Every day, we get closer together and relate more to each other. I consider all the girls like sisters. We struggle together, we push through together, and we succeed together. I wish the best for all the contestants, and I'm excited to see who gets crowned."

Rihanna Sanchez is sponsored by the Wasco Elk Ladies. Her parents are Oscar and Denise Enciso, and Kevin Carranza will escort her.

She aspires to graduate college with a bachelor's and master's in education and become an elementary school teacher. "A more personal aspiration I have is to build resilience for myself to overcome challenges in life," she shared.

"One thing I am most excited about on pageant day is for the whole community of Wasco to see the hard work and dedication of all the contestants on the night of the show. This whole summer has been filled with learning new things and getting out of comfort zones, and I can't wait for everyone to shine in their own way."

Rihanna treasures the bond she has formed with her fellow contestants. "The bond between me and the other contestants is unlike any other connection I've had with friends. We are all so caring and supportive of one another."

Participating in the event has had a profound impact. "Being a contestant has helped me grow as a person by teaching me to be confident in myself and more caring for others. Being surrounded by such an uplifting group of girls has made me feel confident and sure of myself. I care for every one of the contestants as they do for me, and there is so much that they have taught me. I will forever be grateful for this experience as a whole."

Izabella Heredia is sponsored by the Wasco Rotary Club. Her parents are Miguel and Lizet Hernandez, and her escort is Jorge Ramos.

She plans to obtain her dream career of being a children's psychologist and make a difference in others' lives. "In the future, I hope to open my own practice in the amazing town of Wasco, which I love calling my home. I enjoy helping others when any problems or mental challenges come their way because no words can describe the happiness it brings to my heart knowing that I made a difference. Bringing a sense of contentment to others always brightens my day because everyone deserves to feel the warmth of happiness in their life," she shared.

As a role model, Izabella is committed to inspiring young girls in Wasco. "I plan to inspire young girls in Wasco by being myself and having an open heart filled with compassion and kindness whether anyone is watching. I plan to continue being involved with extracurricular activities, community involvement and most importantly in my church."

She said, "What I am most excited about on pageant day is seeing all the girls shine on stage and having all the emotions, such as happiness and achievement, become true in the end."

Izabella draws inspiration from her late grandfather and her faith. "My grandpa motivates me to keep pushing forward because he is someone I looked up to. My faith is also a big contributor because God gives me the strength and wisdom to continue."

Alyze Moreno is proudly sponsored by Grace Community Church, with the support of their secretary, Sharon Nicol. "I am so grateful to them for being my sponsor, and I enjoyed going to their church when they invited me."

She is the daughter of Maribel and Hector Moreno. "My mom is a foster mom. And my dad, who is in heaven, had his own agriculture company as he was a labor contractor. I love my parents so much for everything they've done for me."

Her escort for the pageant is Daelyn Smith.

Alyze has aspirations to graduate high school with an associate degree in criminal justice from Bakersfield College and attend the FBI Academy to become an FBI agent. "I want to save people and tell them about the goodness and greatness of God," she said.

She embodies the qualities of a Rose Queen through kindness, confidence and leadership. "I try to be my kindest to all, love how Jesus would love, am confident in my own unique self, always try to become the best young woman of God that I can be and a leader to others around me."

Winning the title would be a dream come true for Alyze. "It would be an amazing, exciting and wonderful opportunity ... I would be so happy and honored."

Through this experience, Alyze has grown in confidence and strengthened her social skills. "I have channeled into becoming the best, most beautiful and most confident version of myself inside and outside because of Rose Queen."

Klarissa Gomez is proudly sponsored by Planet Dance Studio. Her parents, Monica and Rafael Gomez, have been her supporters throughout this journey. On the pageant day, she will be escorted by Elijah Lopez.

She has ambitious aspirations for her future. She aims to become a livestock veterinarian because she loves animals and is passionate about caring for them. To pursue her dreams, she plans to attend either UC Davis or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

One of the things Klarissa is most excited about is performing for her loved ones and the Wasco community. "I want to make sure I am ready and doing my very best the day of," she said, eager to showcase her hard work and dedication.

Klarissa believes her confidence is a unique quality she brings to the competition. She strives to inspire her fellow contestants to embrace their individuality and feel proud of who they are. "I tell them always to be themselves and love themselves," Klarissa emphasizes.

She is grateful for her friends and family's support. "My friends have always supported me and told me I could always talk to them if I needed anything. My family has been by my side since the very beginning and helped me accomplish my goals," Klarissa reflects.