Leigh Busby Photo
Miriam Magalis Cruz of Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven's New Miss Puerto Rico, at Saturday's pageant.
For the first time in a decade, a New Havener was crowned “Miss Puerto Rico” along with 11 other category winners.
Christina Ferrer-Santiago.
The crowning took place at Wilbur Cross High School Saturday at the Miss Puerto Rico of Greater New Haven Cultural Pageant sponsored by Puerto Ricans United, Inc. The group revived the event, in which New Haven middle and high schoolers compete, for the first time since the early aughts with a focus on “on cultural awareness, community service, empowerment and leadership.” Two hundred people attended.
Yulianet Nevarez, aka Miss Penuelas.
The winners include:
Miss Puerto Rico Category
Queen: Miriam Magalis Cruz
1st Princess: Alanna Herbert
2nd Princess: Yulianet Nevarez
Court: Johanelyz Arroyo
Court: Yairelys Burgos
Court: Haley Colon
Court: Carlier Mathews-Ramos
Jr. Miss Category
Queen: Alianys Ayala
1st Princess: Benjalie Hernandez
2nd Princess: Jaliyah Griswold
Court: Lysella Pujols
Court: Christina Ferrer-Santiago
The winner in each category received a scholarship. Latin Financial was the event’s financial sponsor.
Alianys Ayala of Beecher School, who was crowned Junior Miss Puerto Rico.
Miriam Cruz.