There was an air of excitement at the Talking Stick Resort Ballroom on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as daylight faded on June 19. The buzz was all about the turnout of participants for the 34th Annual Jr. Miss Salt River pageant program and who would represent the Community for the next year as young ambassadors. The next day, the 38th Annual Miss Salt River pageant program would also be held here.

Families, friends, visiting royalty and dignitaries filled every corner of the darkened ballroom to support the five participants: Lanae Medina, Thaila Silverhorn, Ava Makil, Lanice Emerson and Peytyn Manuel.

From a tower at the back of the ballroom, a single bright spotlight cast a radiant beam down to the stage, illuminating the participants in their traditional dress as they shared their talents and recited essays against the vibrant molten gold and ember-orange desert sunset backdrop painted by artist Dwayne Manuel.

3 Takeaways:

• The 34th Annual Jr. Miss Salt River 2026-2027 pageant was held on June 19 at the Talking Stick Resort Ballroom.
• Lanae Medina, Thaila Silverhorn, Ava Makil, Lanice Emerson and Peytyn Manuel were the five contestants.
• The new Jr. Miss Salt River 2026-2027 Court is Jr. Miss Salt River Lanae Medina, First Attendant Thaila Silverhorn and Second Attendant Ava Makil.

Miss Salt River Committee Chairwoman Elisia Pongyesvia stepped into the light, welcomed the audience to the pageant and introduced the mistress of ceremonies, Miss Indian Arizona Sialik King.

“Tonight, we have the privilege of having five young ladies vying for the title of Jr. Miss Salt River,” began King. “They will demonstrate what they’ve learned in the preparation of meeting this new challenge.”

As the Salt River Fire Department Honor Guard entered the room for the posting of the colors, the buzz turned into a collective hush, giving space to absorb Angelica Hoover’s soothing voice as she delivered the national anthem in O’odham.

Outgoing First Attendant to Jr. Miss Salt River 2025-2026 Aiyanna Toya offered the invocation, which was followed by introductory remarks from outgoing Jr. Miss Salt River 2025-2026 Tiaré Begay-Smith. She said that fellow outgoing royalty may seem as they are speaking comfortably from the lectern but noted that it’s no small feat.

“These are bright lights, there’s a ton of people that you may not know, and it can get very difficult,” said Begay-Smith. “So, seeing that these five girls are stepping up to this position really warms my heart.”

In front of the stage were tabulator Brittany Briones and judges Pamela Prasher, John Fernandez, Jeffrey Harmon, Sarah Mott and Daniel Martinez, all of whom served critical roles in deciding who would hold a new title by the end of the evening.

Talent Showcase

Signaling a shift to the program’s talent showcase, gourd singers Aarick Mack, Da’Trae French and Marley Dallas appeared offstage as Medina began to dance tin can, or Piipaa, a style that originated from the Kumeyaay which is commonly sung among the Kwatsaan. Medina said she danced for those who are unable to dance and to honor her ancestors. She said she chose the dance because it gives her inner peace.

Silverhorn played “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets” on her violin. Makil performed a choreographed boxing demonstration with her coach, Keenan Carbajal, showcasing footwork, combinations and strength. Emerson performed the traditional dance “What Kind of Flower,” her favorite basket dance that she said embraces the beauty of O’odham women. Rounding out the talent portion of the evening was Manuel’s rendition of “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky on viola.

The judges handed in their scores.

Traditional Dress and Essay

Next it was time for the participants to showcase their traditional dress and share an essay on this year’s pageant theme, “O’odham and Piipaash Women Leading the Voice of Tomorrow.”

Medina’s traditional attire celebrated the harvest of saguaro fruit during the O’odham New Year. Her dress was made from unbleached cotton muslin. She carried a basket to collect the fruit and a traditional kuipud, a long pole made of saguaro cactus ribs used for harvesting.

Silverhorn wore a traditional one-piece muslin dress with hand-painted water and basket designs. She carried a large pot and wore a shell necklace, ring, anklet and bracelets to represent the history of the O’odham runners who would gather shells, salt and other supplies in Mexico.

Makil’s contemporary-style Onk Akimel O’odham dress was made of coral-pink satin. Her top was reminiscent of a peasant-style blouse adapted by the women after Spanish contact.

Emerson wore a contemporary two-piece Piipaash dress with a white peasant-style blouse made of satin, which was paired with a pink satin skirt. She said that pink is a comforting color that reminds her of all the beautiful things in the world.

Manuel’s outfit blended traditional elements with a modern presentation created by Kathleen Miguel. Her white silk blouse with basket dancers and designs was paired with a skirt made of lilac silk fabric.

Once the scores were tabulated, the spotlight hovered over Begay-Smith one last time as her reign was about to end. She delivered a farewell presentation.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as your Jr. Miss Salt River 2025-2026. I hope I have left a positive and meaningful impact on you and our Community,” Begay-Smith told the crowd, before making one last round of waves to the Community from the stage.

All five young women joined on the stage one last time before the big news was revealed.

The second attendant received a sash, a shawl made by Pat Villalpando, flowers, an overnight bag, custom traditional sandals and an award by A Native Touch Etching. The first attendant received the same awards, plus a two-piece luggage set. Jr. Miss Salt River’s awards include similar items plus a crown, a hat box, a three-piece luggage set, a Chromebook with accessories and a $1,200 monetary award.

King made the first two announcements.

Jr. Miss Salt River First Attendant 2026-2027 is Thaila Silverhorn, and the Jr. Miss Salt River Second Attendant 2026-2027 is Ava Makil.

Then, in a suspenseful moment, King looked down at the judges’ scores and took a dramatic pause.

A new Jr. Miss Salt River is crowned: Lanae Medina.

The ballroom erupted in excitement, with whistles and cheers from Medina’s supportive Community.

Holding back tears, Medina closed her eyes as Begay-Smith carefully placed the crown over her head and delicately adjusted any stray strands of hair, showing grace and respect as she transferred the title.