The Miss Chico and Miss Teen Chico Pageant: A Celebration of Confidence and Community
The Second Annual Miss Teen and Miss Chico Pageant took place on June 7th at the Chico Elks Lodge, crowning Karris Rose Spath and Coco Weller as the 2026 Miss Chico and Miss Teen Chico, respectively. This event was a full-day celebration, featuring competitions in Evening Gown, Fitness Wear, and Interview categories, with Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds as the grand finale.
The pageant's mission, as emphasized by Lora Shipley, founder and director of the Forever A Queen Organization, goes beyond mere appearances. It focuses on developing confidence, leadership, and community involvement among young women, challenging the outdated stereotypes often associated with pageants.
Coco Weller, the Miss Teen Chico winner, is a triple national dance champion who will represent the United States at an international dance competition in Italy this July. This commitment to dance will be showcased in the Miss California America pageant, where Weller will compete in the talent competition.
The pageant also recognized the achievements of other participants, including Ellianna Santana as Miss Congeniality, Brynna Lowe as Miss Teen Congeniality, Isabella Bax as People's Choice Miss Queen, and Victoria Caltaldo as People's Choice Teen Queen. These awards highlight the event's emphasis on camaraderie and community spirit.
The success of the event was attributed to the strong community support. The Chico Elks Lodge and local business We Do Designs played pivotal roles in transforming the venue, creating an elegant atmosphere. Lora Shipley expressed gratitude for the sponsors, both large and small, emphasizing their crucial role in making the event a success.
The Forever A Queen Organization's mission is to empower young women through leadership development, confidence-building, and community service opportunities. This pageant is a testament to the organization's commitment to fostering personal growth and community engagement among young women in Chico.
