Arianna Garza
Miss Cinco De Mayo 2017
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Left to right: Myrka Lila, Briana Martinez, Amy Zamarripa, Evelyn Arreola and Arianna Garza.
EVELYN ARREOLA
Please meet Evelyn Arreola, a candidate for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. Evelyn is the daughter of Jesus Arreola and Marisol Barajas and is a senior at Diboll High School. Her hobbies and activities include being in the Spanish Club, HOSA (health occupations student of America), FCCLA officer (family, career, community leaders of America), and yearbook editor. She was also in culinary classes, helps make food for catered events and enjoys helping at her church and anyone that needs help. Evelyn says she has had college offers from University of Massachusetts, Baylor University, Boston University and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor but is choosing to attend Angelina College to stay close to home and be with her family, friends and this community. Evelyn has received her CNA (certified nurse aide/assistant) certification and currently taking a phlebotomy class and will be attending Angelina College in the fall for Radiology and possibly get her degree as a Registered Nurse. In the summer Evelyn will be attending a dental assistant program to further her education in the medical field. She mentions that “I was never allowed to play in sports my whole life because of a medical condition and for this reason I want to be more involved in the medical field to help others in the community and elsewhere. It may not be being a doctor but it’s just enough to make a difference”. Evelyn says; “I want to show other people (people like me) to fight for their dreams no matter what their situation is, there is always a way to your dream if you fight for it”. She is excited about this great opportunity and experience in being a part of this year’s Miss Cinco de Mayo.
ARIANNA GARZA
Please meet Arianna Garza, a candidate for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. Arianna is the daughter of David and Ladonna Garza and is a senior at Diboll High School. Arianna's hobbies and activities include Angelina County Drug Free Allstars, National Honor Society President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes President, SMASH Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Student Council, Yearbook Editor and Volleyball. She is also a graduate of Lufkin Leadership Tomorrow 2016 and is very involved with FBC Diboll youth group. Volunteering is very important to Arianna, she believes in giving back. She feels that getting out and simply doing the little things go a long way. Her philosophy is: "that you have to be the change you want to see in the world" Arianna will be attending University of Houston in the fall and will be majoring in Speech Pathology. Arianna is very excited to see the impact she can make in this community by running for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. You can support TEAM ARI by purchasing raffle tickets, donating raffle items for her events, monetary donations and by attending our upcoming events.
MYRKA LILA
Please meet Myrka Lila, a candidate for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. Myrka is the daughter of Jose and Guadalupe Lila and is a senior at Lufkin High School. Her hobbies and activities include Gear Up Club, Pan American student forum, KYSSED CLUB, leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Lady Pack Soccer, Diamond Dolls, Angelina County Drug Free All-Stars as well as the state wide Drug Free All-stars (Youth Leadership Council). Myrka also enjoys helping out in the community and has volunteered in organizations such as Noche Hispana and the Junior League with their Back to School Bonanza. Myrka would like to be chosen Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017 for several reasons. First so that she may be able to overturn the stereotype of Hispanics being a minority. She wants to be a role model for future generations. Second she would like the opportunity to provide her parents with some financial relief by demonstrating her hard work and determination in raising money to help fund her educational career. Myrka is in the top 6% of her graduation class and will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall. She has been accepted into the school of Biomedical Sciences in pursuit of becoming a pediatrician as well as major in Spanish. She says “my passion and love for kids has only grown through my years of babysitting my kiddos, whom I enjoy very much”. You can support Myrka by purchasing raffle tickets, buying plate lunches, donating items for events she has planned and/or visiting her Facebook page for updates on events planned.
BRIANA MARTINEZ
Please meet Briana Martinez, a candidate for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. Briana is the daughter of Joe and Sandy Martinez and is a senior at Lufkin High School. Her hobbies and activities include Lufkin High School Student Body President, Pan-American Student Forum Vice-President, LISD Super-Ambassadors Vice President, Lead Executive IGNITE Mentor, Academic Decathlon, Student Health Advisory Council and involved in many other clubs such as Diamond Dolls and Soccer Sweethearts. Briana was inducted into the National Honor Society by maintaining a GPA of 95 or higher and is ranked in the top 13% of her class. Throughout her four years of high school she has also participated in the community by helping out with Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, Cinco de Mayo, Angelina County Air Show and many other events. Briana feels that by giving of her time to the community she will help in making it better for the future. Briana has been accepted to Texas A&M, Baylor University and Texas State University. She plans on studying 2 years at Texas State and ultimately transfer to and graduate from Texas A&M. She will be majoring in education with a possibility of specialization in political science. Her goal is to become a superintendent and eventually a member of the local government where she can help make a difference in the community. Briana was so excited to be able to compete this year. She said; “I have always wanted to be Miss Cinco de Mayo ever since I was a little girl”. She believes “Miss Cinco de Mayo is a great influence to Hispanic girls everywhere and she would love to fulfill that role”. Briana hopes to continue to be recognized as a role model and to set an example for younger students. You can support Team Briana by purchasing raffle tickets, donating items, and/or visiting www.TeamBriana.com
AMY ZAMARRIPA
Please meet Amy Zamarripa, a candidate for Miss Cinco de Mayo 2017. Amy is the daughter of Amy Padilla and Armando Colin. She is a senior at Central High School. Amy enjoys reading books, volunteering at her school, loves to sing and listen to music and enjoys helping her mom at home and her job. Amy is involved at school with the FCCLA club (Family Career and Community Leaders of America, the FFA Club, a member of the Forensic Club and member of Student Council. She is always ready for an opportunity to volunteer and to help those in need and for a good cause. Amy plans to attend Angelina College for her basics then transfer to Sam Houston University. Once she turns 21 she wants to join the police academy program and eventually achieve her goal to become a Homicide Detective. She hopes to someday help other young ladies in gaining confidence and experience to help reach their goals.