On October 5, the 2024-2025 Miss and Jr. Miss Salt River Courts participated in an annual retreat hosted by the Miss Salt River Committee. The retreat, a tradition in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for the past few decades, is scheduled within the first few months of the reign to give the new ambassadors the tools they can use early on to prepare them for serving the Community.

The local, private retreat offers a learning experience for members of the Court, as well as a time to bond as a program, according to Miss Salt River Committee Chairwoman Elisa Pongyesvia.

At this year’s retreat, the members of the royalty were asked what topics or skills they would like to learn more about, such as pottery, shell etching and sewing traditional attire.

They were treated to presentations by Isabella Dockerty (public speaking), Jessica Ruiz (O’odham introductions), Patsy King (prayer presentation), Janyse Salinas (maintaining mental health, schedules and self-care), Juleigh Burke (table etiquette), Annette and Lynwood Vest (bird dancing), Margaret Miles (sewing demonstration on traditional tops), Sierra Ward (Piipaash introductions) and Diane Enos (Community FAQ).

“As a committee with many former title holders, we also evaluate what areas could be strengthened, such as public speaking and learning their introduction in both the O’odham and Piipaash languages,” said Pongyesvia. “As a program, we try our best to build our ambassadors up and offer opportunities for growth year-round.”

Miss Salt River Sialik King said that one of her favorite workshops was Patsy King’s prayer presentation.

“She gave us insight on what it really means to pray and how to do so appropriately,” said King. “Her presentation structure was conversational, and it warmed my heart to hear her wisdom and perspective on our roles as ambassadors.”

Jr. Miss Second Attendant Aiyanna Toya’s favorite presentation was also from Patsy King.

“I really enjoyed when we cooked dinner together as a court,” said Toya. “My favorite part about the retreat was spending time with the girls and just having fun.”

Jr. Miss First Attendant Tiaré Begay Smith said she is thankful for everyone who was part of the retreat.

“I feel like a learned a lot while having fun bonding with my sash sisters,” said Begay Smith. “I loved all the workshops, but the few that stuck out to me were by [Isabella Dockerty, Janyse Salinas and Sierra Ward]. I will remember everything I learned throughout my reign.”

The 2024-2025 Miss and Jr. Miss Salt River Court

Sialik King—Miss Salt River. Daughter of Kyland King and Cynde Claw-King. Paternal grandparents: the late Linda Manuel and the late Nayland King. Maternal grandparents: Chester and Stella Claw.

Zoe Hernandez—Miss Salt River First Attendant. Daughter of the late Felicia Ramos and Michael Hernandez. Paternal grandparents: the late Victor and Marie Lorraine Hernandez. Maternal grandparents: Pete and Joni Ramos.

Evevannah Garza—Miss Salt River Second Attendant. Daughter of Willie and Verna Garza. Paternal grandparents: the late Domingo and Amelia Garza. Maternal grandparents: the late Vernon Vest and Lupe Francisco.

Diondria Pilger—Jr. Miss Salt River. Daughter of Dion and Wechoni Pilger. Paternal grandparents: the late Fred and Diep Pilger. Maternal grandparents: the late Royal and Valerie Schurz.

Tiaré Begay Smith—Jr. Miss Salt River First Attendant. Daughter of Arial Begay-Smith and Luis Lopez. Father: Whitney Grey Jr. Paternal grandparents: Hermena and the late Whitney Grey Sr. Maternal grandparents: LaRue and Maynard Jackson.

Aiyanna Toya—Jr. Miss Salt River Second Attendant. Daughter of Felicia Toya and Jacob Tashquinth. Paternal grandparents: the late Eugene Tashquinth Jr. and Carol Silversmith. Maternal grandparents: the late Beatrice Anaya and Vincent Toya.