Barstow High senior crowned Miss Teen California

Barstow High School senior Janeice Love recently beat out 70 other contestants to be crowned Miss Teen California. [Photo courtesy of Raphael Maglonzo]

By Davina Fisher / For the Daily Press

BARSTOW — For the next year Janeice Love will represent the Golden State with a crown on her head and a smile splashed across her face.

The 17-year-old Barstow High School senior was recently crowned Miss California Teen USA 2018, beating out 70 other contestants for the title during the pageant held at the Long Beach Convention Center on Dec. 3.

She will next go on to compete in the Miss USA Teen competition this coming summer. The Miss California Teen competition is apart of the Miss Universe pageant system — where if Love is crowned Miss USA Teen this coming summer she would be sister queen with Miss USA and Miss Universe.

This was Love’s second year competing for the Miss California Teen crown — she placed in the top five in last year’s competition.

“She’s been preparing for almost a year,” said her mother, Laurie Love. “She joined Toastmasters International to help with her public speaking. You know that onstage question is tough. She nailed it.”

Love was posed with the question of whether politics impact her in a positive way or discourage her from wanting to vote?

“It is a privilege to vote in this country and I am blessed to have that opportunity,” responded Love. “I am not 18 yet so I have not had the opportunity to vote, but next year I will. So until then I am just going to try to educate myself on all the politics and match my values to the candidates.”

While splitting her time between leading the Barstow High varsity cheer squad as captain and taking colleges courses at Barstow Community College through the Middle College Program, Love also volunteers with an organization called Soldier’s Angels that supports women in the military who are deployed with care packages.

“I always make sure to put my favorite goodies and hair products in there for them,” said Love. “Both of my parents are veterans so it’s very important to me to give back to the military community.”

She hopes to pursue her education at San Diego State University while attending events throughout the year as Miss California Teen — including the Grammys.

“It still feels unreal,” said Love. “I’m so excited for this year filled with endless opportunities. It’s a dream come true to be able to represent the state of California.”

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