Miss La Mesa has been a tradition in the city since the early 1950s. Over the years, the program has evolved into a mentoring and leadership opportunity for young ladies in three categories — Miss, Teen Miss and Junior Miss.

On Sunday, June 23, Mayor Mark Arapostathis announced the 2019 ambassadors at the Sundays at 6 Concert at Harry Griffen Park.

Ruth Almaraz was named Miss La Mesa 2019. Almaraz recently graduated from San Diego State University with a business finance degree and works for a property management company in La Mesa.

Miss Teen La Mesa 2019 Samantha Clary is a student at Helix High School where she is involved in ASB and plays volleyball and lacrosse.

Junior Miss La Mesa 2019 Mary Aumack is an accomplished dancer recently graduated from the La Mesa Arts Academy. She will be attending Helix High School in the fall.

Each 2019 ambassador went through an application process this year that consisted of a speech, essay and interview and the participants also received points for academic achievement. The program aims to give young women public speaking and interview skills that will guide them into their future years of education and the workforce.

As the city’s ambassadors, the young participating ladies volunteer countless hours in the La Mesa community each year.