Chevrons

Betha Young was 22 the year her sorority sisters talked her into competing for the title of Miss New Mexico. She still speaks of the excitement; being primped and pampered, parading up and down, changing quickly and parading again. Betha had a wonderful time and to her great surprise, she actually won. In the 68 years since then, she’s had nothing to show for it but her memories. Because of post-World War II cutbacks, there was no money for a sash or crown in 1948. On May 14 this year, the reigning Miss America, Betty Cantrell, presented her with a sash and crown in a small ceremony in Albuquerque. On the Miss America facebook page, Betty later posted, “Betha is 90 years old and still beautiful as ever!”