One might have found that they were mystified by the sounds of Domonique Williams-De Hoyos, EMU senior, singing “The Reason Why The Doves Cry” when headed to the Student Center Ballroom last Friday night. Not only was the crowd at a complete standstill, but his voice carried down the hallway, a welcoming sound to those coming to the Latino Student Association’s (LSA) first Quinceañera.
Students entering the ballroom, expecting dancing and a buffet of food, were delighted to stop and listen to the unexpected treat. Finishing with a resonating sound, the ballroom was all smiles and applause as the MC took hold of the night.
“We promoted and spread the word of the celebration through social media, passing out flyers, hanging flyers around campus, posting it in the EMU calendar and inviting other organizations on campus,” said Rosaly Maldonado, President of the LSA.
The LSA was hoping to bring the EMU community together and educate them about this type of celebration, as well as creating a sense of community by coming all together. Also, acting as a coordinator for the event, Maldonado certainly had her hands full and kept the people well entertained.
Not only was there dancing and trays of endless food, but The LSA also provided educational aspects to the night. They put together skits that simulated what a traditional Quinceañera was like, music and clothing to match and pamphlets that also held information about the origins of the Quinceañera.
Samantha Jackson, EMU freshman, went to the event for her love of the culture and said that her first experience with the organization was, “great and cool… everyone looked really good.”
If you are interested in more information about what the LSA does during the rest of the year, then stop by one of their general meetings on Mondays at 6 p.m. in room 301 or 300 of the Student Center.
“It is also a safe place for people who want to learn about the culture. This year we have grown to be a big family and it really makes me happy to see this organization grow,” said Maldonado.
