05/01/2026
What a wonderful recap for the 2025-26 court. They are true to their hearts and community. There is no doubt they will continue to be great leaders and we look forward to all they accomplish in the future.
Grandview Royalty Reflects on Year of Service, Growth, and Community Connection
For outgoing Miss Grandview Emma Alcazar, Miss Grandview Princess Bree Valenzuela, and Miss Grandview Princess Surielah Almazan, what began as a leap into something new turned into a year defined by service, friendship, and personal growth.
Each of them shared different reasons for joining the program, but all three said they were ultimately drawn to the opportunity to represent their community in a meaningful way.
Alcazar said her decision came somewhat spontaneously, inspired by her involvement in community service and the chance to stay active locally, while also appreciating the scholarship opportunities the program offers. Valenzuela shared that she had long admired past queens and princesses she grew up watching at community events. Almazan said she had dreamed of participating for years and saw the program as something she had always hoped to be part of.
Looking back, all three agreed the most meaningful part of their year was the relationships they built along the way.
They spoke about forming close bonds within their court, along with friendships developed with other courts from surrounding communities and strong connections with chaperones and directors. “Getting to know each other and the other courts was definitely the highlight,” one of them shared, noting how travel, events, and shared experiences helped strengthen their friendships.
While the experience brought many memorable moments, the trio also said there were surprises along the way. The number of ribbon cuttings stood out to all three, along with last-minute speaking engagements and unexpected schedule changes that often came on short notice. Parades also proved more challenging than expected, especially with varying float setups, weather conditions, and early morning call times.
Despite those challenges, each said the experience helped them grow in confidence, especially in public speaking. “Before this, speaking in front of large groups made me nervous,” one said. “Now it feels a lot more natural after doing it so often.”
They also shared that the experience helped them become more outgoing and willing to step outside their comfort zones, particularly when meeting new people across different communities.
Among their most meaningful service experiences, Alcazar highlighted a holiday shopping event at Walmart where they helped children select gifts and wrapped presents. She described it as an emotional and eye-opening moment that reinforced the importance of community support. “It really made me realize how important it is to be there for others, especially during the holidays,” Alcazar said.
They also pointed to rodeo week, community award nights, and various parades as standout experiences, each offering a mix of hard work and strong community engagement.
When asked about favorite memories, they laughed about post-event drives filled with debrief conversations, shared meals, and lighthearted moments from traveling together between appearances.
As they prepare to pass on their titles, the outgoing court offered advice for the next Miss Grandview court: stay true to yourself, don’t be afraid to meet new people, and remember to enjoy the experience. “Be yourself,” Almazan said. “That’s what leaves the biggest impact.”
After their year of service, Alcazar and Valenzuela plans to pursue elementary education at Washington State University. Almazan plans to pursue a degree in business.
Above all, they hope the community remembers them for their positivity, authenticity, and dedication to representing Grandview.
“I hope people remember me being myself,” Alcazar said. “I hope people remember that even though I’m shy, I’m still fun and I’m always open to meeting new people,” Valenzuela said. “I hope people remember me as smiley and always happy, even if something didn’t go my way that day,” Almazan said.
As they close out their year, the three leave behind a shared legacy of connection, not only with each other, but with the community they represented throughout their time as Miss Grandview royalty.
