2002
L.I.F.E. Queen and Court chosen
Jessica
Benavides will reign over the 2002 Laredo International
Fair and Exposition (L.I.F.E.) as the 2002 L.I.F.E.
Queen. Serving on the court with Jessica are Griselda
Reyes, 1st Runner Up, and Susie Roxanna Soliz, 2nd Runner
Up. The 2002 festivities begin February 27 and continue
through March 2.
Jessica, a senior at United South High School,
is the daughter of Horacio and Laura Benavides. She
is ranked in the top 10 percentile of her class and
was sponsored by David Maciel, FFA director at United
South. Jessica spends much of her time hitting the books,
but in her spare time, enjoys horseback riding and jogging.
Grizelda, a senior at Alexander High School,
is the daughter of Tony and Rosie Reyes. Grizelda is
a member of the National Honor Society, and was sponsored
by the Boots and Spurs 4-H Club. She is an active volunteer
with Laredo Crime Stoppers and enjoys spending time
with her family.
Susie, a senior at United South High School, is the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Soliz. She was sponsored
by the Del Norte 4-H Club. Susie serves as 2nd vice
president of the Webb County 4-H Council and her hobbies
include drawing, painting, and reading.
The three young women met all criteria to compete
in the pageant, including active participation in FFA,
FHA, or 4-H Clubs. Each met grade requirements and were
sponsored by one of the three designated organizations.
All three received scholarship awards, including $1,000
for the queen and $500 for each runner-up to be used
at the college of their choice. Each girl also received
her respective tiara, sashes, and trophies, all from
G&G Custom Awards, and roses from Garza's Flower
and Gift Shop.
Judging this year's pageant were Clema Owen,
CHSP, Lodging Consultant for Holiday Inn Civic Center,
Mario Alvarado, CASA program director, Eddie Zavala,
customer service representative for the City of Laredo,
Peggy García, executive director of United Way,
and Laura Segura.
On hand at the pageant, which was held at the
new Doctors Hospital facility, was David Ender, president
of L.I.F.E., and board members Norma Castilla, Jerry
Sepulveda, Elsa Santos, and Tony Reyes. Pageant coordinators
were Mindy Casso, Norma Castilla, and Claudia Williams.
Information on this year's L.I.F.E. festivities may
be obtained by calling the L.I.F.E. office at 722-9948.
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