Congratulations Miss and Jr. Miss Ak-Chin 2016

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The Miss Ak-Chin Pageant began in 2008. The tradition arose after conversations were started to visualize and plan their goals for the pageant. Upon recommending the pageant to the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council, the endorsement of the pageant planning was approved. The research and knowledge of how other “sister tribes” celebrate their pageants, significantly influence and benefit the long-standing traditions celebrating Ak-Chin’s birthday (Masik Tas) in December. Ak-Chin’s Masik Tas is celebrated every year with a pageant, parade, entertainment, cultural dances, food vendors, a rodeo, a basketball tournament, and vaila dances.

2015-16 Miss and Jr Miss Ak-Chin at Iwo Jima Landing parade – Photo Courtesy of the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner

2015-16 Miss Ak-Chin – Photo Courtesy of the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner

Congratulations to Esperanza Miranda, a 17-year-old senior at Maricopa High School, for winning the Miss Ak-Chin Pageant. She was chosen based on the judges’ scores in a variety of categories: essay, introduction, traditional and modern talent, and traditional and modern dress. Miranda came out on top, bringing her incredible talent and personality to the table.
The requirements on which Miss Ak-Chin is chosen are as follows: must be enrolled as an Ak-Chin Indian Community member, must be between the ages of 17 to 25, must have never been married, have no children, and must be attending school or working.

New to the pageant this year was the addition of Jr. Miss Ak-Chin. The pageant committee’s vision was to create a stepping stone for young women who were potentially interested in vying for the title of Miss Ak-Chin. Crowned as Jr. Miss Ak-Chin is Anyssa Justin, who is 15 years old and a sophomore at Maricopa High School. Her award was determined by the judges’ scores using the same criteria as for Miss Ak-Chin. The requirements for this pageant were as follows: must be enrolled as an Ak-Chin Indian Community member, must be between the ages of 13 to 16, and must be a full-time student attending school.

2015-16 Jr Miss Ak-Chin – Photo Courtesy of the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner

The most important objective of creating the pageant was to provide young women in the community an opportunity to obtain the meaning of their history in heritage and culture. The pageant allows young women to enhance their public speaking skills, travel to different areas and achieve considerable growth as ambassadors of the community and for themselves.

For more information, visit http://www.ak-chin.nsn.us.

Danny O'Donnell

Danny co-founded Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), now a western media powerhouse with over 4 million fans. CLN’s success reflects his deep understanding of the western community—not just its spirit, but its economic heartbeat—connecting businesses, events, and enthusiasts in a thriving industry. With this massive reach, Danny has become a trusted voice on rodeo culture, horse care, and Western traditions, covering events from the Houston Livestock Show to the Super Bowl Party Trophy Bar. His journey to building this platform began in Arizona, where he spent eight years in Pinal County’s 4-H program, learning ranching by caring for lambs and getting to know the land like an old friend. At Arizona State University, Danny shone as a two-time "All American" diver and team captain, graduating with a business degree that sparked his entrepreneurial drive. After a decade in corporate management sharpening his leadership skills, he launched CLN. "Giving back has always mattered to me," Danny shares. His support for Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and a 25-year CLN Christmas Toy Drive proves it, building community trust through action.