Hard work, dedication and courage is something the Miss Cardinal contestants have in common. And now, as the Miss Cardinal Pageant nears, the tension increases and our contestants grow eager to see who wins the pageant and earns the crown. Marianela Vivar is no exception. 

Before the festivities begin on Saturday, September 22, we chatted about her goals, achievements, and involvement across the school and how she has benefited from participating in this competition.

Marianela is passionate about art. She enjoys painting and drawing, especially to clear her mind. Her paintings and drawings capture her creativity.

Along with being creative, she is also athletic. Marianela has been playing for the school’s basketball team since she was a sophomore, and is currently on the girls’ varsity basketball team.

Her involvement with the community is a big part of her. She has always been involved with services at her church, but now she is involved with more of the community and the school because of Link Crew and other extracurricular activities.

Marianela’s greatest achievement overall is that she has grown as a person. “If I would have been told that I was going to run for Miss Cardinal when I was a freshman, I wouldn’t have believed it,” she said. She is now more involved, has gained self-confidence, is truly happy, has developed her true self, and has gotten to know herself better.

Marianela encourages everyone to take risks and to try something new because it may be something they like. She also encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves. “I just want to say anyone can do this, to go for it even if you have doubts,” she said.

Come out and watch Marianela compete for the crown of Miss Cardinal on Saturday, September 15th at the Sturges Center! Doors open at 5 pm and the show begins at 6 pm!