June 24, 2025 — Rachel Axt, a name now etched in gold, has brought the Miss California 2025 crown home to Clovis, California! The Clovis County resident was crowned the victor in the 101st edition of the Miss California pageant, triumphing over a strong field of finalists including Olivia Harden (Miss Tulare County), Sharlize T. Trujillo (Miss Culver City), Cambria Whitney (Miss Fresno County), and Mary Kohaut (Miss Placentia).
Axt’s win not only secures her a spot to represent California in the Miss America pageant but also comes with a hefty $21,000 prize ($15,000 for winning Miss California and an additional $6,000 for being a finalist).
For those of us in Clovis, Rachel Axt is more than just a beauty queen; she’s a testament to dedication and passion. Axt has been competing in pageants since she was 15, accumulating three regional titles before this state-level victory.
Beyond the pageant world, Rachel has a fascinating array of interests. She’s a big fan of all things fantasy, with “Dungeons and Dragons” being a favorite game and movie. Her love for the Renaissance theme is also well-known, as she was a notable presence at the Renaissance Faire at Kearney Park in Fresno.
When it comes to her social life, Rachel enjoys spending quality time with friends, often sharing her love through cooking. Her go-to comfort food? A veggie pizza from Me-n-Ed’s Valley. In fact, after being crowned Miss Clovis, she celebrated with a quarter of a whole pizza – a true local at heart!
Rachel’s commitment to her community shines through her professional and personal endeavors. For four years, she has worked as a paraprofessional at Clovis Unified, supporting students on the autism spectrum. This experience has deeply impacted her, fueling her goal to advocate, educate, and share resources for parents, while also helping our communities understand life on the spectrum.
Musically inclined since the age of 12, Rachel has trained in singing and music, with aspirations of pursuing it professionally. Many in the Fresno area have already witnessed her talent, as she’s performed the national anthem at various events.
Her roots are firmly planted in the agricultural heart of the Central Valley; she grew up working in her family’s vineyard, fostering a deep appreciation for the hard work of those who tend our crops. Clovis couldn’t be prouder to have Rachel Axt representing us on the state and national stage!