Beauty and secret: Vanessa Delgadillo crowned Miss Hispanic UCO 2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Vanessa Delgadillo crowned Miss Hispanic UCO 2011

Vanessa Delgadillo won Miss Hispanic UCO 2011.

Oklahoma City native Vanessa Delgadillo, a senior criminal justice and sociology major at the University of Central Oklahoma, was named Miss Hispanic UCO 2011 at the university’s annual scholarship pageant April 16. Delgadillo said she plans to implement her platform of preventing juvenile delinquency and gang involvement within the Hispanic community and on UCO’s campus by developing a support group for at-risk youth who may lack positive influence in their lives.

“I grew up in a low-income area with a single mother struggling to take care of a very large family,” Delgadillo said. “I have seen firsthand the oppressions and struggles many kids out there face, and the choices that are made from a direct result of these issues.
“I know we can make an impact on this issue if we take the time to provide support and encouragement to at-risk youth.”
Additionally, Delgadillo said she plans to organize events to promote the appreciation of family ties, education and positive lifestyles. She said she wants to coordinate forums and workshops to help build skills, goals and self-esteem while promoting higher education and providing information on scholarships to encourage at-risk youth to reach their greatest potential.
Delgadillo received a $1,600 scholarship for winning the pageant.
First runner-up Maria De Leon, a sophomore business administration major from Oklahoma City, received an $850 scholarship.
Emma Brito, a junior business administration major from Norman, was named second runner-up, and received a $500 scholarship.
Delgadillo received the Miss Congeniality Award, while Brito received the People’s Choice Award and De Leon received the Future Business Woman Award.
The Director’s Award went to Jennifer Lopez, a sophomore business administration and legal studies major from Oklahoma City, and the Photogenic Award went to Vivian Briones, a junior forensics and funeral services major from Altus.
All winners received a plaque along with their awards.