Miss Indian New Mexico, Than Povi Martinez, will join C’YA Aug. 8 in the 2026 Fair and Rodeo Parade. The group will be driven in a classic car, compliments of Alex Feldman and Jim Matzke. Feldman is a fan of Dance Arts Los Alamos where Than Povi has danced for years. Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
Champions of Youth Ambitions

Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) has some exciting news to share about upcoming events from now through October and we hope you’ll play a part.

First, C’YA is pleased to announce that Miss Indian New Mexico, Than Povi Martinez will join us in the 2026 Los Alamos Fair and Rodeo Parade. Aug. 8 on Central Avenue. While we will share the details later, we’re so excited for the honor of sharing her success and presence with the community next month.

Second, we will jump back into fundraising with our second annual Life is Short, Eat Dessert First event. This Festival of Frivolity will take place on Friday, Oct. 2. It was designed as a grab and go event of indulgence to support community programs. The idea is to purchase a surprise box of desserts from local and regional businesses to feed a family or keep for yourself. It will take place just after 5 p.m. and you’ll even have an option not to get out of your car.

Finally, a reminder for artists of all ages and local businesses. We’re assembling a 2027 calendar of local art in a variety of mediums. If you’re a business looking to gain some incredible publicity for more than 15+ months for $100 we have a plan for you, too. You can find out more on our website at www.cya-nm.org, on our Facebook page or give us a call. The art contest for all ages continues until Sept. 1.

You simply show us the answer to the question, What Does Good Health Look like to you? It might be a picture of a baby laughing, a fingerpainting from a pre-school aged child, a tattoo, a spectacular poem, sketch, drawing, or painting.

These are just a few things we’re working on this summer; won’t you join us?

A save the date for Life is Short, Eat Dessert First has been set for Oct. 2. Last year desserts were sponsored by a variety of local restaurants and businesses. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen