SELMA – The Rudy Theater hosted a night of elegance, talent, and cultural pride as the annual Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County 2024 Pageant unfolded, on September 18. Besides the remarkable talents of our contestants, the audience was treated to stellar performances by the Queen of Song, Sandra Padilla, and Folklore Latino Huella de Mi Pueblo. Our esteemed emcees, Sergio Benitez of Latinos Activate JoCo and Araceli Hernandez MUAH, also graced the evening.
The proud winners of the evening, representing their roots and aspirations, are:
- Tiny Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: Meilani Isable Yac-Johnson of Selma, North Carolina.
- Tiny Princess Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: Jaylene Lugo Cruz of Selma, North Carolina.
- Little Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: Maddy J. Clark, a Selma Elementary School student.
- Junior Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: London Marie Granados, a bright student from Pine Level Elementary School in Pine Level, NC.
- Teen Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: Maya Blanco of Princeton, NC, a passionate 10th grader at Princeton High School.
- Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County: Joanna Perez of Selma, NC, is a talented Smithfield Selma High School Student.
Sergio Benitez, Pageant Founder and co-director, expressed, “The participants’ display of talent and cultural richness was commendable. Through this platform, we celebrate and recognize our community’s beautiful tapestry of diverse backgrounds. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and especially to our winners!”
Kelly Blanchard, Pageant co-director, emphasized, “The Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County Pageant isn’t just an annual event. It represents young Latina women’s year-long commitment to showcase and amplify their cultural legacy, dreams, and potential.”
The Miss Hispanic Heritage Johnston County Pageant is a yearly celebration highlighting the diverse heritage and abilities of young Latina women in Johnston County, serving as a platform to display their culture, dreams, and talents throughout their reigning year.
