Candidates needed for Miss Puerto Rico pageants in Elgin

The Puerto Rican Heritage Organization Pageant Committee is looking for candidates for the 2008 Junior Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin and Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin.

Miss Puerto Rico of Elgin age requirements are between 10 and 14, and the Miss Puerto Rico age requirements are between 15 and 20.

Candidates must be of Puerto Rican descent (at least one parent must be partial Puerto Rican.)

PRHO will be offering educational scholarships for both categories. This year's winners will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for Miss Junior Puerto Rico and $3,000 for Miss Puerto Rico.

Contestants will be judged on their research project on a Puerto Rican town, along with public speaking, cultural costume and evening gown competitions.

For details or an application, visit www.prho.org. The deadline for applications is June 6.

Founded in 2006, The PRHO celebrates and educates the community about Puerto Rican culture and history. In addition to the pageants, it organizes Elgin's BoriquaFest and annual Dignitary's Dinner.

For details, call Tamika Morales at (847) 909-8740.