Miss Sweet 15 of Queens

BY GLORIA PAZMIÑO

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:33 PM EDT

After three months of searching for the girl who best represents the values and characteristics of an educated, responsible, creative, charismatic, and talented Latina teen, The Queens Courier’s sister Spanish language publication, El Correo de Queens, proudly announced its first Miss Sweet 15 of Queens!

A Sweet 15 is a traditional birthday celebration among Latinos. Just like a Sweet 16 celebration, it marks the transition from childhood into womanhood.

The selection process, by a panel of Queens Courier judges, was not easy. Among the group of girls that registered for the contest, many had great qualities and each girl had something unique and special about her. However, after months of considering all their talents and after interviews with the enthusiastic teens, Prysyla Muñoz won the title of Miss Sweet 15 of Queens.

Born in Jamaica Hospital, Muñoz lives in Ozone Park with her Mexican parents. Among all the participants, Muñoz stood out because of her dedication to her community and her ability to use her talents to help those in need.

“Turning 15 means that I am maturing and growing into a woman, [and] at the same time I will be taking on more responsibilities,” she said.

At 14, Muñoz dedicates herself to singing classical and mariachi music while also taking singing lessons, which helped her get into musical theater in school. She began singing at the age of eight when her grandmother inspired the whole family to sing.

Many of Muñoz’s qualities impressed the judges, but it was her dedication to community work that really made her stand out from the rest.

She sings at public events to help collect funds for causes related to the health and wellness of the Queens community. In addition, she is a volunteer in a library in Woodhaven, where she helps kids with their homework afterschool.

For now, Muñoz continues to dedicate herself to her studies and dreams of one day becoming a singer. Her biggest inspirations are her family and her older sister, Celine, whom she admires.

Among the finalists were other very charismatic young ladies who also share big dreams, like Muñoz, and represented Queens well.

Stephanie Verdugo, 15, said she dreams of one day becoming a lawyer and being able to help people. Jocelyn Delgado, 14, said she would like to study forensics or become a veterinarian.

Though the girls study and work hard, they are able to enjoy their down time by playing sports and being with their friends. Fifteen-year-old Barbara Roman said she hopes she can one day become a criminologist, but for now enjoys being young and playing basketball. Laura Zuluaga, 14, plays soccer and enjoys drawing cartoons. And when Jacqueline Pereira, 14, has time, she goes shopping with her friends and listens to meringue and salsa music.

Even though Muñoz took home the top prize, all the Sweet 15 participants are winners. Congratulations!

THE QUEENS COURIER/Photos by John Caballero
Prysyla Muñoz was named Miss Sweet Fifteen of Queens by the El Correo de Queens contest. El Correo is The Queens Courier’s Spanish language sister publication.