First Latina named Miss Deaf Virginia

From The News-Leader:

STAUNTON, Va. -— Rosa Herrera (center in picture) is not only the first Latina winner of the Miss Deaf Virginia Pageant, she also is the pageant's first Latina contestant in 17 years.

The contestants, their family, friends and other members of the deaf community celebrated with a breakfast at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel Sunday morning.

"We have Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss World or whatever," said Rachel Bavister, president of the Virginia Association of the Deaf, while speaking through a sign language interpreter. "We have the same thing with deaf girls. We want to brag about our people and how great they are. They are beautiful and intelligent. We also want the young ladies to lead the organization when we age out."

"We are such a small group we let the girls do our ambassadoring for us," Bavister added.

The five contestants had to do a private interview, on-stage interview, talent portion, gowns and present their platform for a panel of judges.

“It’s very important for the future of the deaf community to have leaders,” said Sandy Kessler, co-director of the pageant. “Many of them are grown from the pageant.”

As the winner for 2009-2011, Herrera will have to travel to different conferences and events in the deaf community including the National Association of the Deaf Conference.

Janet Wright, the pageant director, said the pageant is vital in raising awareness for the deaf community.

“We like to show that deaf people can do the same thing hearing people can do,” said White. “It’s to develop leadership skills and confidence and to show the outside world we are well-represented by these ladies.”

The contestants Herrera, Erica Baylor, Najah Bell, Shajuan Evans, and Katherine Morales posed for pictures and accepted gifts from the pageant officials at the breakfast held Sunday.

Herrera, 19, of Fredericksburg, said she joined the pageant in an attempt to meet more deaf people.

“I don’t have a lot of socializing with deaf people in my daily life,” said the student of the University of Mary Washington. “Here there are so many people. It has been a real eye-opener for me to learn about their experiences.”

Herrera said her openness and honesty about the challenges of being a deaf minority and her platform of “Deaf people can be successful” is what she thought led the judges to select her.

Herrera signed a contract outlining conditions of the title, including that if she were to marry, become pregnant or move out of state she would have to relinquish the crown.

The first runner up is Baylor and the second runner up is Bell, who was also voted Miss Congeniality and winner of the evening gown portion of the event. Both two tied for the talent portion for signing songs and Herrera won the platform portion.

Christy Bowers, the former winner of the pageant, said the experience will be life-changing for Herrera.

“I feel so different,” said Bowers, 20, of Roanoke. “I feel I am a stronger person, more confident in myself. It’s definitely gotten me over my stage freight. The Virginia Association for the Deaf has taught me a lot.”