Sigma Lambda Gamma presented flowers and a $1,000 scholarship to 2006 Miss Latina NIU winner Alejandra Carreno.

Carreno, a junior organizational management major, was crowned Thursday night in Altgeld Hall. The contestants were judged on their culture garment, individual talent, formal wear and interview. Each contestant represented a different country exemplifying their cultural background.

The NIU black choir and Latin performer of Drunken Style Records, Picasso, were both featured in this year’s cultural pageant. Miss Latina 2005, Rosa Aguilar, also gave a speech thanking everyone for their support and explaining what she did as Miss Latina 2005.

“I know that all the ladies here tonight will represent Latinos at NIU with pride and joy,” Aguilar said in her speech.

Proud friends, family and Alpha Sigma Omega sisters cheered Carreno on as she took her first walk with the crown.

“I feel she will represent the community to the fullest,” said senior bilingual elementary education major and sorority sister, Nadia Ascencio. “She has done so well thus far, and we are all so very proud of her.”

Briana Fukushima, a sophomore business management major and former Miss Asia 2004, said she knows Carreno will do a good job fulfilling her duties as Miss Latina NIU.

“My line sister has done a very good job, and I know she will do her best to represent her community,” Fukushima said.

Junior accountancy majors Lourdes Solis and Silvia Delcarpio and senior psychology major Cynthia Diaz, were also overcome with excitement for Carreno.

“Ale is a truly exceptional person,” they said. “We are all happy to be her friend and, since we have known her, she has been supportive and friendly.”

Diana Narvaez, junior accountancy major and friend of Carreno, said she is a great leader and very dedicated and committed to the community.

“She will go above and beyond her duties and responsibilities,” Narvaez said.

In Carreno’s interview she said students must stand out when they want to make a difference.

“In order for you to stand out you have to be involved and reach out to others,” Carreno said. “Throughout my three years at NIU I feel like my education, volunteerism and involvement in the NIU community has motivated me to inspire others in the Latina community.”