Community service part of choosing Miss San Luis

SAN LUIS, Ariz. - For the young woman who assumes the title of Miss San Luis on Friday, the crown will involve more than just being a beauty queen.

The winner will be chosen from among 10 contestants based a variety of criteria, among them their artistic talent and performance in an interview. And this year, for the first time, each contestant will be judged partly on a community service project she would pursue as Miss San Luis.

"We wanted the contestants to have a contribution to the community with service projects, such as recycling or assisting the elderly," Lizeth Servin, the pageant director, said in October when the 10 finalists for the crown were named. "Each one will present her own project, and some of them have theirs already developed."

The winner will be crowned amid celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of San Luis, and she will head the city's Founders Day Parade on Saturday.

Competing for the title are Margarita Anguiano, Joanna Cárdenas, Jasmín Cordova, María Duarte, Ariana Huerta, Marilyn Lopez, Brenda Padilla, Bianey Palencia, Daniela Uribe and Araceli Vargas.

A five-judge panel will select the winner using a point system that bases 35 percent of contestants' scores on their presentation of an artistic talent, 25 percent on the community service projects they present, 20 percent on their modeling of evening dresses, 15 percent on their modeling of bathing suits and 5 percent on their performances in question-and-answer portions.

The winner will receive an $800 cash prize and a $500 scholarship to Arizona Western College, Servin said, while the runner-up will receive $400. The third-place finisher will receive $200. Winners will also receive sponsorship prizes.

The prizes of Miss Congeniality, Miss Elegance and Miss Photogenic will also be handed out.

Miss San Luis Contestants

Name: Bianey Palencia
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Angelica Ramos
Other facts: Wants to become a high school counselor or a police officer

Name: Araceli Vargas
Age: 20
Where employed: San Luis Carl’s Jr.
Parents: Felicitas and Felipe Vargas
Other facts: Wants to become a surgical nurse

Name: Ariana Huerta
Age: 19
School: Arizona Western College
Parents: Lorenzo Huerta
Other facts: Enjoys tennis, is studying business administration

Name: Daniela Uribe
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Laura Leon
Other facts: Volunteers for nonprofit organizations

Name: Marilyn Lopez
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Maricela and Abraham Lopez
Other facts: Enjoys dancing, wants to become a great dancer

Name: María Duarte
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Wendy and Jorge Duarte
Other facts: Enjoys soccer, mariachi music and singing

Name: Jasmín Cordova
Age: 21
School: San Luis ACT
Parents: Estela Diaz
Other facts: Likes to work out

Name: Margarita I. Anguiano
Age: 17
School: Harvest Prep
Parents: Concepcion Peralta
Other facts: Works at Pizza Hut, likes to dance and listen to music

Name: Joanna Cárdenas
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Lucia and Alberto Cardenas
Other facts: Volunteers at the library and nonprofit organizations, likes tennis and volleyball

Name: Brenda Padilla
Age: 17
School: San Luis High School
Parents: Maria and Hector Padilla
Other facts: Likes tennis and drama, wants to become a chef