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By Yolanda Nájera-Ewing
St. Francis Fiesta Committee
Monique Aryanna Sanchez
Monique Aryanna Sanchez is the first young lady to step up to the plate and announce her candidacy for queen of the 37th Annual Fiestas Patrias sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Church and set for Sept. 17 and 18.
Monique Aryanna has agreed to campaign and vie for the position of queen for the Fiestas. She has already begun working toward this goal with various fund raisers. Having recently sponsored a breakfast, she is now working on a pastry event set for Sunday, July 31st at 1:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Center on Sunset Drive. Also in the works are a corn hole tournament, a 50-50 giveaway, and a fund raiser featuring a 40 inch television set. Donations for a try at the T.V. are $5.00. As evidenced, Monique Aryanna and her family have been busy consulting with Marcella Garcia who is the queen candidate director and coordinator of candidate fund raising activities. These fund raising events will continue until the week before the Annual Fiesta. Additionally, the candidate and her family will be selling fiesta tickets which count as votes for her candidacy.
The young candidate resides locally on Copper Street with her family. She is the daughter of Brianne “Niki” Fernandez and Michael Perea. Monique Aryanna has three sisters: Allysia, Miranda and Analysse. Her brothers are Dominic and Michael.
Monique Aryanna is thirteen years old and will be starting the eighth grade at Superior Junior High. The queen candidate enjoys doing math and writing, which are her favorite school subjects. She has played volleyball and softball. Additionally, she enjoys cheerleading. Spaghetti and watermelon are the foods she likes the best.
The young candidate volunteers at the Superior Senior Center and at the Superior Library. She also makes it a practice to help in any way she can when she sees someone in need.
Monique Aryanna said she decided to run for Fiesta Queen because, “I want to help our church raise money, and I also want to be an example for my little sister.” She added with a smile that it also seemed to her like a fun thing to do.
Anyone wanting to help Monique Aryanna in her endeavors or to buy tickets from her or to make a donation to her candidacy can do so by calling the church office at 689-2250. She can also be reached by calling Fiesta Royalty Chairperson Marcella Garcia at 480-939-1313.
The Fiesta Committee is still seeking candidates for Fiesta Queen. Queen candidates are being actively sought and ALL young ladies of the local area ages 5 to 18 are strongly urged to consider being queen candidates. Candidates do not have to be members of the Catholic Church. Each candidate will receive a formal gown, a crown, shoes, a sash and 10% of the funds which they raise. Those interested in being a queen candidate can contact Marcella Garcia, Chairperson Olga Lopez (520-827-4119) or the church office.
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