Picture from online, also in the paper:

Cristina Aguilera, a junior criminology major, won the Miss Latina NIU crown Saturday. Aguilera, wearing her cultural clothing, represented Guanajuato, Mexico.

Monday, April 5, 2004

Miss Latina NIU crowned
Contestants perform skit, unity dance and individual routines

Article by:
LaShaunna Watkins - Cultural Affairs Reporter
• lwatkins@northernstar.info

Cristina Aguilera, a junior criminology major, won the 2004-’05 Miss Latina NIU crown Saturday.

Sigma Lambda Gamma sponsored the pageant. Two other contestants, Sandy Cardenas, a senior clinical psychology major; and Vanessa Flores, a senior psychology major, also competed for the crown.

Aguilera represented Guanajuato, Mexico; Cardenas represented Jalisco, Mexico; and Flores represented Guerro, Mexico.

The pageant began with a skit that portrayed each contestant expressing her fears about performing in the pageant. The contestants then performed a unity dance.

The unity dance was followed with each contestant wearing a traditional outfit from the city she represented.

A talent portion of the contest allowed contestants to display their artistic abilities. Aguilera performed a Latin dance, Cardenas performed a Latin song and Flores did an original poetic piece and break-dance routine.

Janet Rodriguez, winner of the 2003-’04 pageant, informed the audience of the duties of Miss Latina NIU. Winners will have to speak at various events on campus and complete 15 hours of community service to the NIU community, she said.

“This pageant is a great opportunity for women to express their culture, which they should be proud of,” she said.

Aguilera said it was an honor to be crowned Miss Latina NIU.

“It was a great competition,” Aguilera said. “The other contestants did a great job.”

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