(L to R): Melissa Espinoza –Mistress of Ceremony, Yesica Gonzalez, Guadalupe Lopez, Latin Heritage Festival Queen- Melissa Hernandez, Little Miss Latin Heritage Festival-Melanie Trejo, Mariah, Terrazas, and Julia Rueda.

Six young women took part in the First Annual Franklin County Latin American Heritage Program.

The program was held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Chucky Mullins Center and was hosted by the Franklin County Extension System and the Latin Heritage Festival Committee.

Family and Friends came out to support participants. They represented El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala and are very proud of their heritage.

There were three categories: Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss.  Participants were judged on their goals and future plans, impromptu questions, and a speech/essay on “What My Latin American Heritage Means to Me”.

The Latin American Heritage Queen and court will serve as ambassadors for Franklin County Community and will participate in parades, community service projects and local events.