Clovis High senior to compete in Miss Teen pageant

Clovis High School senior Ivanna Alonzo has long been interested in photography, but about three years ago wanted to see what it was like to be on the other side of the lense.

She began modeling and signed with McIntyre Model Management in Fresno about a year ago.

“I’ve done a runway show with my agency and I do shoots with local photographers to expand my portfolio,” Alonzo said.

Last month she was chosen to participate in the Miss Teen pageant held in Sacramento. If she wins the title this month, she’ll move on to the national competition in Orlando, Florida, where more than $30,000 in awards is up for grabs.

“We’ll do personal interviews on Oct. 17 and then the next day is the competition where my family will get to watch me perform” she said. “I will model casual wear and formal wear.”

Alonzo is looking for local sponsors to outfit her, especially for the formal wear category.

Sponsors who sign up by Oct. 7 will get their names published in the Miss Teen pageant book, Alonzo said.

Alonzo has already received sponsorships from family members and Gordon Park of McCormick Barstow Law Firm.

The 17-year-old hopes the pageant will open doors for her in her modeling career. She plans to apply to colleges in Southern California with hopes of studying architecture while modeling on the side.

“I’m really into art and painting,” she said. “I also like to play the guitar.”

She says her mother, Lupita, has motivated her to continue her modeling career.

“She encourages me to try any opportunity that is given to me,” Alonzo said.

This story was originally published September 29, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Clovis High senior to compete in Miss Teen pageant."