Natalie Duran was crowned Cinco de Mayo queen at Thursday’s special Multicultural Week event at Manteca High.
She was escorted by Benji Breitenbucher as part of the lunchtime festivities. Duran, who listed “hanging out with friends” as her favorite thing to do, is a member of the Buffaloes’ soccer and cross country teams.
Rounding out the royal court were runner-ups Sarah Melchor and Maria Villafan, and fellow queen candidates Estefany Solozano, Akemi Vargas, and Gabriela Donato.
Club MEChA once again coordinated the Cinco de Mayo this Mexican holiday that represents “national sovereignty” or Mexico’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
During the week, MHS also had European Day (Monday), Asian Day (Tuesday), and All-American Day (Wednesday) during Multicultural Week.
“We’ve celebrated Cinco de Mayo (at MHS) for more than 20 years,” said bilingual aide Maelena Castaneda, who along with Maria Saavedra is the Club MEChA co-advisor.
Cinco de Mayo also included a chili pepper-eating contest – Edgar Zarate and Andres Sanchez were declared co-winners – and hardboiled egg relays.
The girls beat the boys in that relay.
Students, in addition, closed out the event with some line dancing.