Winners from elementary, middle & high school levels of Selena essay-writing competition — reflecting on importance of bilingualism & multiculturalism — to be announced before film on Sept. 15 at historic Cuauthemoc Hall, where the epic Tejano star actually performed
SAN MARCOS, TX – Young people throughout the San Marcos area are contributing original essays — in Spanish or English — responding to the words of Texas music sensation Selena Quintanilla on the value of learning a second language & embracing one’s cultural origins: “I feel very proud to be Mexican. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn Spanish when I was a girl, but it’s never too late to get in touch with your roots.”
An essay-judging committee, headed by school district Superintendent Michael A. Cardona, will determine the three best submissions. Winning authors will be invited to read their essay on Thursday, Sept 15th at Cuauthemoc Hall, 1100 Patton Rd, preceding a free screening of the 1997 film SELENA.
Selena’s family, the Quintanilla’s, have kindly waived licensing fees for the free community viewing, which includes pizza, live accordion music & a raffle.
This Selena celebration — timed with Fiestas Patrias, Independence Day in Mexico — kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month and is sponsored by various departments and centers at Texas State University. It is also part of a series of films organized by the Center for the Study of the Southwest touching on that geographic region each Thursday evening this autumn.
Likewise, the SELENA screening is an official part of Mermaid Week, a collaborative cultural-arts platform highlighting San Marcos’ rivers and resources.
Each essay winner will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to Half Price Books, courtesy of donations from Centro Comunitario Hispano de San Marcos, the Baha’i Community of San Marcos, the UU Fellowship of San Marcos & Half Price Books.
Essay submissions are due by Friday, September 9 — either at DeZavala Elementary School, 600 Staples Rd., in care of Ms. Diana Garcia, or at Centro Comunitario Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St.
Selena Quintanilla was just 22 years old when she won her first Grammy for a bilingual record, following a lifetime immersed in music & entertainment. The 1997 film SELENA, a true story, shows her rise from childhood to stardom, touring the world. Adored by fans as a Mexican-American icon & the “Queen of Latino music,” Selena thrived in the industry until her murder- one year after her Grammy win.
Diana Garcia, a Cinema Club collective member & teacher at De Zavala elementary school, said of the essay contest, “We have so many talented writers among our students. I’m sure it will be difficult for us to choose just three winning entries!”
Submitted by, San Marcos Cinema Club.
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