Buhach senior crowned Miss Merced County 2016

Buhach Colony High School senior Mary Loera, 17, was crowned Miss Merced County 2016 on Saturday at the Miss Merced County, Miss Sierra Nevada and Miss Yosemite Pageant at Buhach Colony High School in Atwater. “It still doesn’t feel real to me, I’m still processing through that I won,” Loera said. “I plan to give back to my platform especially, but also toward my other volunteer organizations such as the food bank and holiday meals for people,” she said. Loera’s platform is the integration of mentally disabled students in the community. Rita Garabet, 22, was crowned Miss Sierra Nevada. Heidi Cheung was named Miss Yosemite Valley.

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Buhach senior crowned Miss Merced County 2016."