The Search For The Next Miss Cerritos Begins

A search is under way for the next Miss Cerritos as the  prepares to host the 2012 Miss Cerritos Contest on Tuesday, March 13.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the , where attendees can enjoy networking, food sampling and the main attraction -- the Miss Cerritos contest.

Event organizers emphasize that Miss Cerritos is NOT a pageant, rather it is a professional development opportunity for young women.

"We are looking for professional, outgoing, responsible, articulate young women to represent the Chamber as an Ambassador throughout the year," said Catherine Gaughen, executive director of the Chamber.

The goal of Miss Cerritos is for young women to gain professional networking skills, public speaking and interview skills, and to make contacts within the Cerritos business community to help further their professional careers.

Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, no older than 27 years old, and live, work, or go to school in Cerritos, or work for a business that is a member of the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Last year's winners included:

• Princess Lisa Lifton
• Princess Michelle Yoo

(To see a video flashback of last year's competition, .)

Women who are interested in participating in the 2012 Miss Cerritos Contest should contact the Chamber before the Feb. 23 Miss Cerritos Orientation Meeting at (562) 467-0800. If your business is interested in sponsoring a young woman, please contact the Chamber for details.