Reprint from the Progress Times - February 1, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Lauren Yvana Guerra named 2009 Queen Citrianna LXXII

Lauren Yvana Guerra must now only wait one year to reign as 2009 Texas Citrus Fiesta Queen Citrianna LXXII.

The future queen, who was this year’s Duchess of Watermelon, was announced at the annual Fiesta Product Costume Show and Royal Finale Friday, January 25 at the Mission High School Neuhaus Center.

Miss Guerra, daughter of Roel and Yolanda Guerra, was presented to the audience alongside the other members of the court.

Guerra, a junior at Sharyland High School, has received numerous awards including being presented with a United States flag that flew over the state capitol by State Representative Ismael "Kino" Flores and a plaque by Governor Rick Perry. Guerra enrolled in a course at Stanford University entitled "The American Legal Experience" and is currently taking dual enrollment college classes.

Guerra’s hobbies are dancing ballet, jazz and flamenco. She loves listening to music of all genres.

The identity of the King Citrus who will reign with her won’t be announced until next year’s fiesta.

Named to join Guerra in the Royal Court next year as Lady In Waiting was Sophia Anyssa Flores who, this year, served as Duchess of Star Ruby. Flores, the daughter of Martin and Hilda Flores, is a junior at Mission Veterans Memorial High School.

Flores is a full-time high school and college student with a 3.75 grade point average in high school and a 4.0 grade point in college. She is in the top 10 percent of her class, a member of the National Honor Society and is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Flores participates in UIL academics and drama and received an award as All-Star Cast for her one-act play performance as well as being an alternate for regional competition in current events and issues. She is an officer with the VMHS Harlequin Drama Club and is involved in the annual high school production.

Next year’s Princess of Grapefruit Blossom will be Maria Apolonia Calderon. Calderon, who served as this year’s Duchess of Oleandar is the daughter of Jose and Nohemy Calderon.

Calderon is a junior at Veterans Memorial High School where, during her sophomore year, she completed the National Hispanic Institute’s Celebracion where she received All American Champion honors in Mock Trial. She was a Regional Golf Qualifier for Veterans Memorial High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. Calderon’s hobbies include debating and golf. She is now a Mock Trial coach as well.

Serving as next year’s Princess of Orange Blossom will be Katherine Hinojosa who served as this year’s Duchess of Pink Grapefruit.

Hinojosa, the daughter of Nora Hinojosa, is a junior at Sharyland High School. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, ranks in the top 15 percent of the junior class and is on the A and B honor roll. Her hobbies are bay fishing and playing golf.

First alternate for the Royal Court is Brianna Ylsa Garza who served as this year’s Duchess of Marsh White Seedless Grapefruit. Garza, a junior at Veterans Memorial High School is in the top 12 percent of her class. She was a 32-4A District Champ and regional finalist in the 300-meter hurdles. Garza is a varsity cheerleader and has been an All Star Cheerleader for five years. Her hobbies are gymnastics and reading.

Second alternate will be Cristina Baleria Alvarado who served as Duchess of Lantana this year. Alvarado is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Alvarado and is a senior at Mission High School.

Alvarado was elected vice president of the Mission Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter as a sophomore and won grand and reserve breed champion with her livestock. Her hobbies are participating with the St. Paul’s Youth Singers and volunteering with different organizations.