Gilroy
– Gavilan College’s theater overflowed Saturday when more than
300 people watched the crowning of the 2005 Gilroy Garlic Queen,
Aisha Zaza.
Gilroy – Gavilan College’s theater overflowed Saturday when more than 300 people watched the crowning of the 2005 Gilroy Garlic Queen, Aisha Zaza.
“I was so in shock at first,” said Zaza, a Gilroy High School student. “During everything, I sort of lost track of the competition so it really hit me like a ton of bricks once it was all over … It made me appreciate my family and my friends’ support.”
She shared the stage with fellow contestants Trisha Motter, Marliz Copado, Elissa Archuleta, Argyrie Vazquez, Noelle Huerta, Cherise Gowan and Stephanie Orth.
Orth was named first runner-up, followed by Motter as second runner-up.
The girls began the show with an opening dance number to the song “One In A Million” which was followed by their Garlic Speeches. Vasquez kept the crowd amused with her speech called “No Place like Gilroy” followed by Huerta with “Garlic-ette.”
Gowan won the talent portion and a standing ovation from the audience, singing “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.
“Personally, it was a really good experience. I love performing and it was great meeting new people,” Gowan said. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for me because now I have one more experience to put on my resume.”
Following talent was the evening gown portion of the show where each girl was asked a question about the festival by Lisa Ramsey, the Mistress of Ceremonies.
“I was in the pageant myself in 2001, 2002 and 2003. You really gain friendships by doing the pageant and there is so much experience that is gained,” Ramsey said, adding, “… this year the girls really made the pageant worth watching.”
Judges included Rhoda Bress, Kurt Chacon, Joyce Patereau, Carol Peters, Bill Zelina and Mary Humphrey. The pageant committee included Kim Lemos and Tracy Dalke.
Each girl received a scholarship from local sponsors such as Gallaria Hair Studio, Toyota of Santa Cruz and orthodontist Bas Wafelbakker. The queen and her court will play a big part in the Garlic Festival on July 29, 30, and 31.
“I am looking forward to having this experience and passing it on to someone else next year,” Zaza said. “It’s the best feeling when you know you may have inspired people.”
