In last year’s Teen Contest, Daniel Gottesman and Danika Masi competed against 14 other teens to be crowned Mr. and Miss Palisades. As their reign is coming to an end, we take a look back at their year as Palisadian royalty.
Miss Palisades 2015: DANIKA MASI
School: Senior at Palisades Charter High School
Accomplishments: Pali High Choir, Drama Department, Girl Scout, performs at benefits such as Gift of Light
Talent: Vocal of “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” by Jason Robert Brow
Mr. Palisades 2015: DANIEL GOTTESMAN
School: Sophomore at Palisades Charter High School
Accomplishments: Helps run Kehillat Israel’s Tikkun Olam projects, Teen Council for the LA Public Library, Science Bowl, Pali High Concert and Jazz Bands
Talent: Played piano and euphonium and sang Stevie’s Wonder’s “Sir Duke”
Highlights from Daniel’s Year as Mr. Palisades:
Getting to represent the community at many exciting events.
It was so much fun to be treated like a VIP!
Being recognized around town as Mr. Palisades.
Attending meetings and introducing myself to community leaders.
Feeling more involved in the community.
Free food at Palisades Garden Cafe!
DID YOU KNOW?
Los Angeles Lakers executive Jeanie Buss won the title of Miss Palisades in 1979. Thirty-plus years later, the memory hasn’t faded.
“It was a great experience for a 17-year-old,” said Buss at a 2009 event at Riviera Country Club.
Buss, who grew up on Ranch Lane in Rustic Canyon, added, “It improved my speaking skills, my posture, my demeanor, everything. Actor Adam West (who played the Caped Crusader in the ‘Batman’ TV show) was one of the judges, and I remember being so shocked and surprised when I won. That was something totally different than homecoming queen or class president because those are more about popularity.”
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
The Saglie Family Produces Three Mr. Palisades Winners
Three brothers from the same family won the title of Mr. Palisades. Gabe Saglie won the first Mr. Palisades title in 1990. Gabe is currently a Senior Editor and spokesperson for Travelzoo. Read more about Gabe in the Post’s March 24 Travel Tales and Summer Camps glossy magazine.
Gabe’s brother Luis Saglie took home the title the following year in 1991. Today Luis is an accomplished composer and musician.
Younger brother Christian Saglie completed the trifecta when he earned the title in 1996. Christian is also a composer, focusing his efforts on film and TV. Christian has also hosted the Mr. and Miss Palisades Teen Contest several times, including the 2015 event.
Photo courtesy of Christian Saglie
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