The Hispanic American Student Association at The University of Oklahoma hosts a scholarship pageant every spring called The Mr. & Miss Hispanic OU Pageant.

Winners of the 2017 pageant, Christopher Coronado and Jema Esparza, have represented the Hispanic community at OU for almost a full year through their platforms of traditional empowerment and advocacy for first generation students.

“This title definitely makes me embrace my culture…not just where my parents come from but other Hispanic cultures as well,” Coronado said. “Being able to embrace and empower myself and others through the culture is one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

The scholarship pageant recognizes hard work, academic achievements, and dedication to the Latino community. In addition to performing talents, sharing cultural presentations and answering on-stage questions, contestants also go through a private interviewing process.

“I’m a first generation student, along with a lot of the Hispanic kids here at OU,” said Sonia Ramírez, Chair of the Mr. & Miss Hispanic OU Pageant 2018. “You have the power to be the role models for students who never thought that college was possible and serve as the liaison between the University and the Hispanic community.”

After being crowned, the king and queen serve for one full academic year and give back to their communities through community service and events like homecoming.

“There’s no way to really express in words how much of an honor it is to be in such a representative role,” Esparza said. “I’m excited to kind of pass the torch and just see what the next persons gonna do with it.”

HASA will host the annual Mr. & Miss Hispanic OU Pageant this year on April 7.