A Family Tradition
Miss Zuni follows sister's lead; Brittany Nakatewa earns title of Junior Miss Zuni

Dancers make their way through the streets of Zuni Saturday morning during a parade held in conjunction with the weekend's Zuni Fair. [Photo by Jeremy Schneider/Independent]

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

ZUNI — The Miss Zuni title has been kept in the family.

Tyla Dishta was named this year's Miss Zuni, following in her sister's footsteps, Marchelle Dishta, who claimed the title last year.

Brittany Nakatewa succeeds Diana Bobelu as this year's Junior Miss Zuni.

The two Miss Zuni contestants Tyla Dishta, 18, and Trista Lalio, 18 along with the four Junior Miss Zuni contestants: Sylvia Yunkestine, 15, Amanda Chavez, 16, Nakatewa, 15, and Britney Estace, 14 spent the week vying for the title through a series of events.

The competition began last Sunday as three panels of judges in traditional, modern/contemporary, and overall categories interviewed the contestants in closed sessions and continued throughout the week with public appearances and a talent show.

Speaking Zuni fluently is a requirement.

"I though it would be interesting to run," Nakatewa said last week, "to see what it felt like to compete."

Dishta said she wanted to be a role model for younger kids.

"I want to be there for (them) and do whatever I can to help them out," she said.

Travel and developing public speaking skills are two benefits of the competition.

Most contestants said public speaking skills were most important.

"It is a good learning experience," said chairperson Esther Bemis. "It really is a unique event."

Both former Miss Zuni Marchelle Dishta and former Junior Miss Zuni Diana Bobelu have said the experience was beneficial to them.