There’s a new Mr. and Miss Fiesta in town.
The Frontier Fiesta Association crowned biology senior Christian Santillan and mechanical engineering technology junior Demi Gratil with the high honors.
Participants competed by raising funds for UH scholarships and those who raised the most money won the crown.
Santillan’s father, Albert, said he and his wife are proud of him.
“This was one of his goals that he set foot as a student here on campus, so I’m glad it came true for him,” Albert Santillan said.
Santillan’s mother, Elizabeth, added that her son believes in scholarships.
“It’s been a blessing for him, and he wanted to bless other kids who were coming in,” Elizabeth Santillan said.
Santillan said winning the award was exciting.
“The best part about winning it is that this award allow me to give back to the UH community by fundraising for scholarships,” Santillan said.
For anybody who wants to win Mr. and Miss Fiesta next year, Santillan said they need to be motivated.
“Keep your eye on the goal, and don’t be afraid to ask,” Santillan said. “The people are already a ‘no,’ you just got to turn that ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’”
Scholarships will be disbursed among current and prospective students. In 2015, six students were each awarded a $1,000 Frontier Fiesta Association scholarship.
The Cougar was not able to quote Miss Fiesta as she left the event immediately after the announcement.