Miss Rancho Bernardo, Teen RB ready to meet successors

The outgoing Miss Rancho Bernardo and Miss Teen Rancho Bernardo are ready to meet their potential successors during the upcoming pageant orientation meeting.

Young women, ages 14 to 21, interested in entering are to attend a mandatory meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. this Saturday at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Those under age 18 need to be accompanied by a parent.

The all-day pageants will be held on April 22 at the RB Inn. Eligibility requirements include living or attending school in ZIP codes 92127 or 92128. Other requirements, the entry form and judging criteria can be found at missranchobernardo.com. There is a $95 entry fee. For questions, contact Lynn Ross at missrbprogram@gmail.com or in the evenings prior to 9 p.m. at 858-705-4920.

Miss Rancho Bernardo 2017 Chase Kornacki, a Rancho Bernardo High senior, said she has yet to decide on a college, but wants to pursue a major on the pre-med track since she aspires to attend medical school and become a surgeon. She has been accepted to the University of Washington and the University of California San Diego.

Miss Teen Rancho Bernardo 2017 Haley Aker, a Del Norte High senior, said she will be attending the University of San Diego, where she plans on majoring in marine science. “I hope to eventually get my Ph.D. and become a college professor teaching marine science,” she said.

“My experience as Miss RB has been unforgettable, to say the least,” Kornacki said. “I never knew that I would create such long-lasting friendships and connections, but I am so happy I did. It was a busy year full of community service and fun events. I am also so lucky to have spent my year with Haley. We started off the year as complete strangers and now she is one my closest friends.”

“I knew I was going to learn and grow as a person when I became Miss Teen RB, but I had no clue how much I would be doing,” Aker said. “I have learned so much from this program and grown a lot through my yearlong reign.” She added, “I had a really fun year and I was so happy to spend it with Chase as my Miss RB. We had so much fun together and we became such good friends.”

Kornacki said she has learned more about herself and community, gained a greater appreciation for Rancho Bernardo, is more confident, and enjoys public speaking and meeting new people. “I’m also much better at walking in high heels, too,” she added.

Both said volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at Rady Children’s Hospital was their favorite activity.

“It’s so hands-on and I loved being able to make people smile, despite their hardships,” Kornacki said.

“It is so fun and you really see all the good work we are doing and how it is making people’s lives better,” Aker said. “The best is when I get to bring a smile to the little kids’ faces when I let them wear my crown and banner.”

As for their advice to those thinking of becoming a contestant, Kornacki said, “Do it. You will not regret it. Just from the pageant alone, I was able to improve communication and interview skills, both of which I’ve utilized in college and scholarship interviews. Those skills just kept building as my year went on. ... Even if you aren’t a winner, it’s a unique experience to further your confidence, life skills and build your résumé.”

“My advice would be to definitely compete,” Aker said. “This experience has been the best thing to happen to me and I wish everyone could have had a year as amazing as Chase and I did.”

“Being halfway through the recruiting process, it’s come to my attention that a lot of girls have misconceptions about the Miss RB program,” Kornacki added. “It is a scholarship pageant, which means that judges are looking for a well-rounded young lady to represent our community. They aren’t looking for the prettiest girl or the girl with the most pageant experience. So, if any girls are worried about that, don’t. Try something new and go for it.”

Kornacki said she does not have any immediate plans to enter future pageants, but is open to the idea. Aker said she competed in the Miss Greater San Diego pageant last August and once she is “settled into college” wants to enter more. “Miss California here I come,” she said.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com