INTRODUCING YOUR NEWLY CROWNED MISS & JUNIOR MISS FORT MCDOWELL
By Harrison J. Bahe
The Yavapai News | hjbahe@fmyn.org | (480) 789–7124
On November 5, 2025, the long-vacant titles of Miss and Junior Miss Fort McDowell were proudly filled once again. Eighteen-year-old Dexwarena Ponciano Wathogoma was crowned Miss Fort McDowell, and fourteen-year-old Millie Rose Duenas-Nelson was crowned Junior Miss Fort McDowell.
The ceremony, held in the large room of the Fort McDowell Recreation Center, brought the community together to officially welcome the new royalty. Nearly all visiting royalty from across Arizona were in attendance, greeting their newly crowned sisters with warmth, respect, and support. The event opened with a traditional prayer from Miss Pai Woman Wendy Thomas, followed by brief remarks from President Sandra Pattea. Royalty in attendance then introduced themselves and shared their titles; many offering their introductions first in their traditional languages and then in English. In a special moment of appreciation, Miss Pai Woman Wendy Thomas was honored with a traditional blanket and trophy recognizing her win earlier this year.
Junior Miss Fort McDowell Millie Rose Duenas-Nelson introduced herself in Yavapai before sharing, “Hello, everyone, my name is Millie. My mom is Olivia Duenas and my dad is Cornelius Nelson. I go to Fountain Hills Middle School as a freshman. I’m 14. Thank you for coming out.”
Miss Fort McDowell Dexwarena Ponciano Wathogoma then offered her introduction:
“Hello, good evening. I just wanted to start by introducing myself. My name is Dexwarena Ponciano Wathogoma. Some of you also know me as Duckee. I am 18 years old and currently enrolled at Scottsdale Community College, taking courses for nursing. Thank you all for being here. It’s an honor to have your support. I will take pride in representing this community with dedication and respect. I hope to use my platform to advocate for health awareness and to inspire others to take care of themselves, physically and mentally. Make sure you stay hydrated and focus on feeling like your best selves every day. Thank you for welcoming me into this new year of tradition.”
The evening concluded with the formal crowning of both Duenas-Nelson and Wathogoma as the 2025–2026 Miss and Junior Miss Fort McDowell. Each received a blanket, a trophy, an intricately beaded sash and crown, and a glass plaque commemorating their achievement.
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation extends its heartfelt congratulations to Miss Fort McDowell Dexwarena Ponciano Wathogoma and Junior Miss Fort McDowell Millie Rose Duenas-Nelson. We wish you both success and strength as you represent our community at gatherings across Indian Country. Congratulations!
