The Miss La Mesa program, founded in 1952, continues to be a community tradition that helps young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a connection to the city they call home.
Now, organizers are inviting local youth to participate in the 2026 Miss La Mesa, Miss Teen La Mesa, and Junior Miss La Mesa programs, with the official coronation scheduled for June 21 during the city’s Sundays at 6 Summer Concert at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.
The announcement ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., just before the concert starts. Participants ages 10 to 26 who live, work, or attend school in La Mesa are eligible to compete.
Unlike traditional beauty pageants, the Miss La Mesa program focuses on community involvement, academics, and communication skills. Contestants are evaluated through interviews, speeches, and essays, while also receiving points for academic achievement. There is no swimsuit or evening gown competition.
“Miss La Mesa has evolved to be a wonderful community service opportunity,” said Alexandra Kuty, a former Miss La Mesa titleholder from 2000 who now volunteers with the organization. “Our titleholders volunteer countless hours in La Mesa each year.”
Kuty said the program also helps young people gain practical experience that can benefit them later in life.
“Most participants in Miss La Mesa have never had an interview before,” she said. “Our program gives them an opportunity to learn interviewing skills that they will be able to use when they apply for jobs, internships, or scholarships in the future.”
The program continues to emphasize civic pride and volunteerism. According to organizers, judges look for contestants who demonstrate enthusiasm for the city and involvement in the community.
“The most important quality needed to be Miss La Mesa is a love for the city, the business, and community events,” Kuty said.
Past titleholders have gone on to careers in journalism, public service, and other fields. Kuty pointed to former titleholder Danamarie McNicholl, who has worked as a Fox News correspondent, as one example of how the experience can help participants build confidence and communication skills.
Kuty said the supportive environment is one reason many former participants return to volunteer years later.
“Miss La Mesa is run by a group of former Miss La Mesa titleholders who all know what it’s like to try something new and be nervous,” she said. “The group is incredibly supportive, positive, and fun.”
Kuty also reflected on her own experience as a participant more than two decades ago.
“When I became Miss La Mesa in 2000, I had no clue what to expect,” she said. “It became a life-changing experience, and the director became a long-time mentor for me. I also met my two best friends because of it. Many of my professional successes were a result of the interviewing and public speaking skills I learned during the year.”
Current titleholders include Miss La Mesa 2025 Leya Haddad, a graduate of Grossmont High School who participates in track and field and speaks three languages; Miss Teen La Mesa Sofia Gutierrez, a student at Helix Charter High School who volunteers at the Kroc Center; Miss Jr. Teen La Mesa Brooklyn Covington of Steele Canyon High School; and Junior Miss La Mesa Kealani Prsha of St. Martin of Tours Academy.
Organizers said the outgoing titleholders will make their final official appearance during the La Mesa Flag Day Parade.
Families interested in learning more about the program can attend an informational meeting at Surfrider Pizza on May 31 at 3 p.m. Applications and additional information are also available through the Miss and Teen La Mesa social media pages and by email at MissandTeenLaMesa@gmail.com.
