Cicero names Natalie Baeza as the Pageant Queen for Mexican Independence 2022-23
On Thursday, September 8, under an atmosphere of celebration and joy at the Cicero Community Center, the Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee held its annual election for the Queen of Cicero.
Indiana University student Natalie Baeza, 22, was crowned the Queen of Cicero 2022-23 on Thursday night. An outstanding student in the Health Administration Career, during her reign, Natalie Baeza will represent the Mexican community in the numerous events that take place in this city throughout the year.
“I am very excited for this recognition. My experience during this contest taught me a lot about myself: to have confidence, motivation and determination,” Natalie Baeza said.
“I developed a discipline that helped me achieve my goals; I learned positive attitudes and enjoyed the time I spend with my colleagues. There have been many emotions in a short time but they are memories that we create together.”
Finally, Cicero’s new Pageant Queen added, “A phrase that helped me throughout this process was ‘Competition is the vehicle with which internal and external character is honored, polished and sharpened, success is achieved by young women, that they become the best people they can be’.”
For her part, Maru Ayala, President of the Cicero Mexican Culture Committee, expressed her gratitude to Cicero Town President Larry Dominick as well as to the city’s Board of Trustees and also to the Cicero Office of Special Events.
“On behalf of the Committee I appreciate the support that the President of the City gives us in order to carry out these celebrations that are so important for our Latino community, especially the Mexican that resides in Cicero,” Ayala said.
“After two years of absence, it is a joy to be here again, celebrating with all of you and continuing the tradition that began more than a decade ago in this great city. We are proud to transmit the Mexican culture to the new generations”.
Brenda Nava was elected as the First Pageant Princess and Fernanda Barrios as the Second Pageant Princess.
The three candidates will be present during the week of the Mexican National Holidays in Cicero that will take place from Sept. 15 through Sept. 18, including at the Festival Fairgrounds at 34 Street and Laramie Ave., and leading the parade on beginning at 12 noon on Sunday Sept. 18 along Cermak Road. They will also represent the community at the annual El Grito ceremony to be held Sunday night at the festival fairgrounds at 34th and Laramie.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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