Each year, young ladies vie for the title of Miss Salt River. Miss Salt River is a goodwill ambassador who represents and promotes the cultural values and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

This year, four young ladies—Alva Silverhorn, Cherish Vavages, Jizelle Juan and Ella McGilbary—made the confident decision to run for Miss Salt River.

This year’s pageant was held on June 20 inside the Talking Stick Resort Ballroom, a day after Jr. Miss Salt River was crowned. Family, friends, dignitaries and visiting royalty were present to support their loved ones who were vying for the crown.

The afternoon began with a welcome by SRPMIC Vice-President Ricardo Leonard. “I want to ask that you all give your best voice to support these young girls participating,” said Leonard. Actor and author Anthony Thosh Collins served as the master of ceremonies.

The Salt River Fire Department posted the colors, and Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King sang the national anthem. After that, newly crowned Jr. Miss Salt River 2026-2027 Lanea Medina provided the invocation.

Emma Scabby, the outgoing Miss Salt River 2025-2026, shared some opening remarks. “Today is a special day as we come together to support this year’s participants who are vying for the title of Miss Salt River. These young ladies are not only representing their families but also our Community and both the O’odham and Piipaash cultures here tonight,” said Scabby.

The first participant to step onto the stage was Silverhorn, followed by Vavages, Juan and McGilbary. Each contestant briefly introduced herself, sharing her family, hobbies and why she decided to enter the pageant.

For the modern talent competition, each participant demonstrated amazing talents. Silverhorn played an original song created by her father, Seneca Silverhorn. The song featured a soft rock tone played with a wave of love.

Vavages is part of her family band, where she plays the saxophone. She performed a vaila song on her saxophone, accompanied by her family. Her performance sent cheers throughout the crowd and had everyone wanting to get out of their seats and dance.

Juan gave an in-depth demonstration of her process of making traditional skirts with modern materials. She has been teaching herself to sew and has grown a passion for it. “I encourage you all to go and find something you’re interested in learning. Sewing is something I can carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Juan.

McGilbary played the song “The Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber on her clarinet.

During the traditional talent portion of the pageant, contestants shared their cultural knowledge with the judges. Silverhorn showcased an O’odham conversation with Community member Cody Achin. Speaking the O’odham language is a new skill for Silverhorn.

Vavages demonstrated bird dancing. She danced to the “Get Up and Dance” song, a social song that invites everyone out to dance.

Juan demonstrated her knowledge of the women’s gambling game ko’omai. “In honor of us being at the casino tonight, I thought I could demonstrate the woman’s gambling game of ko’omai,” said Juan.

Finally, McGilbary gave a presentation on the traditional woman’s game of toka. She began, “Step one, find a mesquite branch.”

Following the talent portion of the pageant, it was time for the young ladies to showcase their traditional wear and essay, reflecting the pageant’s theme of “O’odham and Piipaash Women Leading the Voices of Tomorrow.”

Silverhorn wore a traditional O’odham two-piece dress in black and yellow along with a yellow necklace made by her mother, Tasha Silverhorn. Silverhorn carried a partially woven basket and held her head high. She began her essay, “Education is an important life skill in our lifetime. Women are highly educated.”

Vavages chose a Piipaash-style outfit with a white peasant top paired with a red scarf along with a gold and blue cape and a shell necklace. She wore a black cotton skirt with iridescent glitter and an assortment of ribbons. Vavages shared her take on the pageant’s theme. “I feel it represents the biggest responsibility, strength and leadership in the connection to culture showing how important women are in guiding our future generations,” said Vavages.

Juan showcased a willow bark skirt that she made with help from Richard Montana. She also wore a nude top to mimic the bare chest of women in the past and adorned herself with a beaded cape. Juan has had many mentors in her life, and she highlighted them in her essay. “I’ve been guided by strong O’odham and Piipaash women. When I was younger, I didn’t always recognize their impact; but as I’ve grown, I have come to understand how blessed I am,” said Juan.

Judges then faced the difficult decision of which young lady would be chosen to represent the Community as the 38th Miss Salt River. The congeniality award was presented to Juan. The modern talent award was presented to McGilbary. The traditional talent award was presented to Juan, who also received the traditional dress award and the essay award.

As the lights shined on the stage, the participants and the audience waited in anticipation of the announcement. Miss Salt River Second Attendant 2026-2027 is Cherish Vavages. Miss Salt River First Attendant 2026-2027 is Ella McGilbary. The newly crowned Miss Salt River 2026-2027 is Jizelle Juan.

To request an appearance by the new Miss Salt River court, email MissSaltRiver@srpmic-nsn.gov or call (480) 362-3464.