Many Santa Clarans know Melissa Bowling as a former Miss Santa Clara. What’s new with Bowling is that she was recently appointed to be Miss Santa Clara County 2013 by representatives of Youth Focus Inc., an organization offering programs for young people in California.
“All the support and all the appreciation I get from the people in Santa Clara keeps me doing what I’m doing,” Bowling says. “So a big thank you to everybody who has been with me on my journey.”
Bowling is currently attending California State University, Monterey Bay and studying Collaborative Health and Human Services. She is interested in attending graduate school and exploring legal studies.
When Bowling isn’t busy studying, she is a gifted vocal performer who aspires to sing for all the Bay Area teams. She has sung the national anthem at San Jose Sharks games, Stanford softball and baseball games, a San Francisco 49ers game, and most recently, a San Jose Earthquakes game. In spite of Bowling’s busy schedule, she still makes time to attend to her duties as Miss Santa Clara County by making appearances at local events.
Bowling was nominated for Miss Santa Clara County by Anthony Butler, a faculty member at Santa Clara High School and former California State Ambassador.
“[Years ago], I heard Melissa sing a song from Wicked at a school event, and I thought she would be a good candidate for Miss Santa Clara County,” Butler says.
“We’re happy Melissa is representing our program,” says Kristina Stamper, tentrants director of Youth Focus Inc. “She’s very active in the community.”
Bowling will participate in the California State Youth Accolades Scholarship Competition at the end of July where she’ll compete for the title of Miss California State.