Miss California Elementary, Jr High, High School, & Collegiate America

An official state preliminary to the Miss Elementary, Jr. High, High School & Collegiate America Pageant. Please complete the registration form below to register as a contestant for theCalifornia State Pageant.

Kara Knudsen and Shalyn Kernop both share the same love of pageantry! Shalyn began directing the Miss Norco Pageants in 2003. Kara began competing in the Norco Pageants at the age of 11. During Kara’s reign as Miss Norco in 2007, they realized their similar passion for the youth in the community, upholding the tradition, and putting on a high caliber pageant it was known for. The following year, Kara began co-directing the Miss Teen Norco Pageant with Shalyn and eventually went on to co-direct the Miss Norco pageant as well. Both were the last directors of the traditional Miss Norco Pageant after 60 years. Through volunteering hundreds of hours directing 30-50 girls each year, preparing and organizing all aspects of the pageant, both women realized their talents in the world of pageantry. Combining the artistic & creative, hair and makeup skills of Kara with Shalyn’s teaching, stage production skills, and eye for talent, the two best friends began preparing girls for pageants on the side. In early 2010, with a rising successful clientele, the dynamic duo decided to take their abilities and passion to the next level and provide quality, cost sensitive coaching, thus….Crowning Moments was launched! With a growing business, Shalyn and Kara have coached clients to titles in a variety of different pageant systems including, USA, America, United States, International, IJM, NAM, High School America, and many other local, state, and international pageants. With many winners accredited to their services, they both continue to help young woman reach their pageant goals. Not only do they teach the skills needed for pageants, but also nurture the girls’ confidence and self esteem needed for life. Missing the role of directors, in 2015, Kara and Shalyn decided to take on another adventure as executive directors of the Miss California Elementary, Jr. High, High School, and Collegiate America pageant.