The next American Miss could be a Jersey City Heights resident. Liana Ortiz, a thirteen-year-old who attends the Christa McAuliffe School, placed as 1st runner-up at the National American Miss New Jersey Pre-Teen Pageant in August and will be traveling to Anaheim, California to compete for the national title the week of Thanksgiving. She also placed 2nd in talent and sportswear, 4th in photogenic and 1st for most promising model and spokesmodel in the New Jersey competition.
Liana participates in her school’s Drama, Vocal and Greenhouse Clubs, Senior Choir, and Track and Scholastic Bowl teams. She takes dance and voice lessons at Broadway Bound and has performed extensively around New Jersey and even on Broadway in the show Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Live. She has also made several television and film appearances, including roles in a Build-A-Bear commercial, the independent film Mimi’s Portrait, and the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase.
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Liana to help cover travel and competition expenses at the national pageant can contact Liana’s mother, Lydia Ortiz, at (201) 406-8995 for more information.
“The CASID is proud to have Liana represent the Heights, Hudson County and New Jersey at the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, and we wish her the best of luck,” said CASID President Michael Yun.