Aromas resident and Gilroy High School graduate takes home
coveted crown
By Ahannon Hopkins Special to the dispatch
Gilroy – Gilroy High School graduate and Aromas resident Sheena Torres walked away with the 2006 Gilroy Garlic Queen crown, besting seven other contestants. Gilroy resident and Gavilan student Cherise Gowan was named first runner up, while Gavilan student Marliz Copado was named second runner up.
Torres took home a $1,500 scholarship and will represent Gilroy during this year’s Garlic Festival, at various city events, and will visit Takko-Machi, Japan, Gilroy’s sister city.
The Gavilan College Theatre came alive Saturday night as the eight contestants danced, sang and spoke about their love of garlic. The eight girls, who ranged in age from 18 to 24, were judged based on their talent, a speech and evening gown wear, as well as a personal interview that compromised 40 percent of the total score.
And the winner is not just a pretty face representing a famous event. Holding the crown of Miss Garlic Queen is not easy and must be undertaken by a confident woman who loves garlic and Gilroy, judges said.
Judge Carol Peters, an active resident of Gilroy, says that the post of Garlic Queen takes a very mature person and it requires more than talent.
“They have to have a real charisma to their voice, sparkle to their eye and a real love of Gilroy,” she said. Overall, Peters said the judges were looking for a self-assured woman who has goals and who could contend with the responsibilities of being Miss Garlic Queen.
The job of the Garlic Queen is to preside over all three days of the Garlic Festival and become an active member within the community, by representing the city and traveling to other communities. The Garlic Queen also must travel to Japan and represent Gilroy during Takko-Machi’s own annual Garlic Festival.
Former Miss Garlic Queen 2005, Aisha Zaza, spoke lovingly about her experiences in Japan and serving as the Garlic Queen.
“It was the best time in my life, and something that I am so grateful for,” she said after handing over her crown to Torres.
The girls, who were judged on their knowledge and love of garlic and the Garlic Festival, displayed their understanding throughout the pageant. The speeches, all which had to show a knowledge of garlic, ranged from hilarious skits depicting Rachel Ray of the “30 Minute Meals” cooking show to “Chicken Little” to storybooks and rhymes. They all provided non-stop entertainment to the large audience of family and friends that eagerly cheered them on. The girls talent ranged from music to dance to martial arts.
The contestants also were eligible for other awards and scholarships. The awards were given for speech, talent and first and second runner up.
Gowan, a cosmetology student, won a $1,000 scholarship and Copado, a Hollister resident, took home a $250 scholarship. The other contestants, Alyx Martinez, a Live Oak High School student; Sarah Welka, a Gilroy High School student; Marissa Velasco, a Sonoma State University student and Gilroy resident; Erica Ortiz, a Gilroy High School student; and Jessica Nowak, a Live Oak High School student, were all recognized with flowers and tiaras as well as a round of applause.
