After a night of competition, salsa and merengue, Stephanie Raposo and Luis Ocampo smiled for the cameras as the newly crowned Ms. and Mr. Latino Penn State.
The Latino Caucus held Noche Latina Saturday night at the Nittany Lion Inn in a ballroom full of blue and white balloons. The Caucus chooses two students at the annual event who it feels will help enhance awareness of the Latino culture at Penn State.
Raposo (sophomore-public relations), who is a columnist for The Daily Collegian, is a Dominicana and described herself as a free spirit.
"It's unbelievable ... this was definitely a surprise," Raposo said. "I want to promote unity between students of all colors."
Ocampo (senior-nuclear engineering), who is of Colombian descent, also said he was excited to be crowned. "I'm really happy I get this honor to be a leader for my culture," Ocampo said as he smiled. "I've been looking forward to being Mr. Latino Penn State for four years."
Ten contestants, five men and five women, were chosen through an application process and were required to provide a biography on someone who is significant to them within the Latino community. Contestants also presented a talent, followed by a formalwear segment and question-and-answer segment.
Raposo performed a spoken word poem about the power of her own words to influence the world.
During the question-and-answer segment, Ocampo answered a question about illegal immigration and said he believes the term "undocumented," is better than "illegal." He performed a salsa dance for his talent.
The winners are each offered a $250 scholarship, intended to be used for books, Latino Caucus President Raquel Jones said.
"We searched high and low to find students who will reflect what Penn State has to offer and motivate people to make a difference," Jones said. "We offer them a scholarship to pursue what they want to do."
The winners were chosen by four judges, all Penn State faculty members. Jones said the winners are required to complete at least 50 hours of community service and are also required to put together a program for the Penn State community that reflects the Latino Caucus mission statement.
Last year's winners, Glenelys Jimenez and Bobby Cassiano, put on a program called "Despierta," which highlighted different regions in Latin America and discussed political and economic problems.
The former Mr. Latino Penn State spoke about his experience the past year in his farewell remarks.
"I saw different perspectives, enjoyed different foods, customs and music -- things I've benn able to share at Penn State where there's not a big representation of Latinos," Cassiano said. "I want students to have a love for Penn State, with a Latin style."
