LULAC Council 10 in Davenport Iowa is happy to announce the kick off of the LULAC Fiesta Queen search for 2016.
For 57 years LULAC Davenport has celebrated the LULAC Fiesta. The LULAC Fiesta is a night rich in family traditions, culture and celebration. This event commemorates the declaration of Independence of Mexico from Spain in 1810, as well as, Hispanic Heritage Month. One of the highlights of this celebration is the tradition of the crowning of the LULAC Queen.
This year the LULAC Fiesta will be different. It will be held in conjunction with the VIVA QC Fiesta on Saturday, September 10 at the Isle Casino parking lot area in Bettendorf, IA.
This collaboration will give the LULAC Queen contest a bigger audience, as the LULAC Fiesta Queen 2016 will be crowned during VIVA QC.
Raising funds for scholarships is the main objective of the LULAC Queen contest, but for many of the participants throughout the years it has become a family custom.
Last year, Assata Caldwell the 2013 LULAC Queen graduated from Iowa State University, where she studied Biological Pre-Medical Illustration. She shared with us what it meant for her to be LULAC Queen.
“Being Queen was a great experience, firstly, for my family because running has been a tradition. My aunt was queen, my sister was queen and I was honored to be a part of that tradition,” Caldwell said. “I received two LULAC scholarships during my time in college and those scholarships really helped me be able to afford getting my degree. I believe all students that wish to continue their education should be given that opportunity for that bit of help, and running for queen helped me raise those funds for them.”
“This is a very important part of our annual scholarship fundraising effort. For many years the Queen contest has helped sustain the scholarship program,” Mike Reyes, LULAC Iowa State Director and member of LULAC Davenport, said.
To date the Davenport Council has awarded close to $500,000 to approximately 755 area students.
Last year, LULAC Davenport awarded $25,000 to 33 Quad City area students who sought the scholarship to fund their future educational goals. The chosen students were ones that exemplified studious work and grades, as well as showcasing school and community involvement.
“All in all, being Queen was a wonderful way for me to embrace my Latina background, help others, and show myself I could achieve a goal. Those are all things I have continued into my life currently as a scientific illustrator. So, for anyone wanting to run for queen, it is a great ambition with a lot of work, but it teaches valuable life lessons,” Ms Caldwell shared with us. “Also, you get to wear a crown!”
LULAC is currently seeking queen candidates. This contest is open to any young Hispanic female age 15 – 21 from the Quad City area. Those persons wishing to be a contestant can contact Toni Robertson 563-349-8297 or Diana Soliz 309-236-6232 for an application and further information. The due date for the applications is April 28.
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