The flashing lights from cameras went off all over the dim Col Ballroom. The loud music and lightshow from the DJ on stage; the fancy suits worn by the chaperones and the young ladies with their beautiful gowns made for an evening to remember at this year’s Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 12.
Young Latinas that are high school seniors in the Quad Cities are honored for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments in this gala organized by the Quad City Mexican American Organization. Most of the girls will go on to continue their education after high school at a college or university.
Moline High School senior Gaby Cruz, 17, says that this event means a lot to her and that it has been an inspiring experience.
“It’s a step towards something I believe in and it motivates me to keep going,” Gaby said.
She plans on continuing her education at Black Hawk College for 2 years and then transfer to another college or university to obtain her bachelors degree. Cruz says that her family is very proud of her goals and accomplishments. “They supported me and because of them, I’m here now.”
Hugs and smiles where shared by families who came out for this celebration. People danced and enjoyed food and drinks over conversations. Some came from different regions of the country to be with their loved ones all because of the accomplishments of these young ladies.
West Liberty, Iowa native Lupe Hernandez gave the keynote speech at the ceremony. Lupe Hernandez is the Bilingual Outreach Representative for Iowa Student Loan College Planning Center in Cedar Rapids and helps students and their families plan for college. She graduated from West Liberty High School in 1999 and majored in psychology and sociology at Iowa Wesley College. In her speech she emphasized the need for these young ladies to be independent and get an education.
“Believing in families and friends, take me as an example because I was just like them, I was like them 10 years ago,” Hernandez said.
It is the first time Hernandez has attended the Debutante Ball and she was impressed.
“It’s awesome! I wish I would have been a part of this (as a high school senior). It’s a big accomplishment, they are actually having a dance,” she said.
Hernandez says that she visits about 96 percent of all high schools in Iowa to help students plan for college and also conducts college planning seminars in Spanish to help families whose first language is Spanish learn more about college planning. Her ultimate goal is to become a high school counselor, “but I have to get my masters (degree) for that.” She will start taking courses at the University of Iowa this summer to get her masters degree.
As the newest and youngest member of the QCMAO she hopes to continue carrying on the organization’s goals and would like to see more new and younger members like the debutantes at this and past events will join to help this tradition live on.
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