Puerto Rican group names pageant winners

The Puerto Rican Heritage Organization recently hosted its annual pageant competition in Elgin.

Diandra Entler of Elgin was crowned the 2007 Miss Puerto Rico and Irys Perez of Carpentersville was named the 2007 Miss Junior Puerto Rico.

Criteria included a research project on a Puerto Rican town, public-speaking abilities and cultural costume and evening gown competitions.

The winners of Miss Puerto Rico received $3,000 and the winners of Miss Junior Puerto Rico received $1,000 in educational scholarships, respectively.

Entler graduated from Larkin High School as a member of the National Honor Society. She will attend Elgin Community College this fall as a transfer student and then attend University of Illinois, Champaign. Her career goal is to be a child life specialist and work with terminally ill children and their families.

Entler is one of the founding members and team captain of the Boogie-Down Salsa Steppers.

Perez has been boxing at Hamlin Park District in Chicago since her move from the city five years ago. Enrolled at Carpentersville Middle School, her goal is to be an actress, runway model or professional dancer.

After 15 years as the Elgin Puerto Rican Parade Committee, PRHO was formed last year and, in addition to the pageants, organizes BoriquaFest in Elgin and an annual Dignitary's Dinner.

For details about the pageant, call David Lopez at (847) 717-4800 or e-mail dlopez@amfam.com; or call Gilberto Feliciano at (847) 931-6019 or e-mail Feliciano_g@cityofelgin.org.