2022 Fiesta Especial Royal Court Candidates
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During the 2021-2022 Fiesta® season, the Fiesta Especial® Royal Court will represent Fiesta Especial® in the community demonstrating to others the abilities of all individuals to achieve their dreams...bringing visibility to the leadership and contributions individuals with disabilities make in our community each day.
The Fiesta Especial® Royal Court program is a leadership and life skills development program for individuals with all types of cognitive, physical and sensory disabilities. Campaigns officially begin on Saturday, August 28th, 2021 at 12:01 AM. You're invited to click on the Candidate's Name below to make a donation to his/her campaign as they register for the program. 
Emma Barron, Queen (Raised $4,500)
Age: 23 Benefiting Charity: FACT Institute HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Emma has selected FACT Institute, Inc. to benefit from her Fiesta Especial Campaign. FACT Institute is a non-profit school and job training center providing the San Antonio community a facility that will educate, engage, and enrich the lives of students and adults with special needs ages 7 and up. Emma loves San Antonio, her family, and her friends. She has a strong faith in Jesus and has a heart for helping others in need. Emma is adventurous; she is always willing to try new things from horseback riding and video gaming to indoor skydiving and snorkeling. She is one of the first students to volunteer to help her teachers and her fellow students. In 2020, Emma started her own YouTube channel, the Talking Mickey Project. With her channel, she is demonstrating how individuals with disabilities can realize their dreams with the support of their family and friends. Talking Mickey Project is part of Beyond Disability Texas which can be found at BeyondDisabilityTexas.com. As an enthusiastic YouTuber, Emma also has a separate Minecraft-focused channel called EpicMCer247. When asked why she wanted to serve on the 2021 court, she replied "I want to meet new people and have new experiences, while helping my school and raising awareness for other people with special needs." 
Ivan Garcia, King (Raised $2,300)
Age: 17 Benefiting Charity: Down Syndrome Association of South Texas HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Ivan has selected the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas as his benefiting organization. The Down Syndrome Association of South Texas is empowering and supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families to access resources, engage with their community, and progress toward self-actualization. Ivan is currently a student at Thomas Jefferson High School, and his joy for life is felt by everyone who meets him. He enjoys making others laugh and can fill up a room with positivity! He has good potential of being a good leader by helping others.Ivan is often volunteering with either the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas or the American Cancer Society at events in San Antonio. When asked why he wanted to participate in the Fiesta Especial Royal Court Program he said "to help him make new friends and be more community engaged. We are looking forward to him getting to make lots of new friends both on the court and those he meets while representing Fiesta Especial. 
Kathryn Ransleben, Princess (Raised $3,130)
Age: 26 Benefiting Charity: Chromosome 18 HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Kathryn has selected Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society as her benefitting organization. Chromosome 18's mission is to help individuals with chromosome 18 abnormalities overcome the obstacles they face, so they may lead healthy and productive lives. Kathryn’s enthusiasm and hospitality is contagious. Kathryn is an active member at MacArthur Park Church of Christ and she is involved with her Bible Class. She’s also participates in Special Olympics Bowling and loved bowling and to go roller skating. Kathryn has a sincere love for other people. She brings joy to those she encounters. She has a genuine desire to encourage any and everyone. When asked why she wanted to serve on the 2022 court, she replied "to meet new people and have fun showing that those with special needs have many great things to contribute to the community." We are thrilled Kathryn has decided to participate again this year and we can't wait to see the continued difference she makes for the community. 
Jonathan Mayse, Prince (Raised $1,835)
Age: 21 Benefiting Charity: SA Life Academy HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Jonathan has selected SA Life Academy as his benefiting organization. SA Life Academy is a new day program that will provide exceptional continuing education opportunities aimed at helping adults with special needs live full and active lives. Jonathan is passionate about advocating for disability rights. He wants to be a role model for other adults with disabilities. Jonathan has been participate with Inclusion is Sweet Virtual Day Program, Down Syndrome Association zoom calls, TamboRhythms drum circles. When asked why he wanted to serve on the 2022 court, he replied "he wanted to meet make more friends and participate in Fiesta activities with his friends. I also want to spread awareness about SA Life Academy! 
Monica Williams, Duchess (Raised $1,560)
Age: 38 Benefiting Charity: Down Syndrome Association of South Texas HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Monica also has selected the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas as her benefiting organization. This organization is important to her as she was the first participant who was able to participate in their Adult Continuing Education classes who did not have Down Syndrome, and this helped her improve her skills and encouraged her to enroll in the Project Access Program with Palo Alto College. Monica wants to encourage other people with disabilities to never give up on your dreams and goals! She believes that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to achieving and the sky is the limit! Monica is involved and volunteers at her church University United Methodist Church, and enjoys participating and competing with Special Olympics. Monica enjoyed Fiesta Especial so much last year that she wanted to come back and participate again! Monica is excited to gain more confidence and continue to advocate for myself and for others. When asked what she wanted to participate in Fiesta Especial again, she said "I want to start a new chapter in the Fiesta Especial I want to continue to learn and I want to continue to show our community that I can do it!" We can't wait to see what you are able to achieve this year, Monica! 
Kaitlynn Ramos, Marquess (Raised $1,278 + $5,041 from other campaigns going on at the same time.)
Age: 21 Benefiting Charity: Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Kaitlynn has selected to strengthen The Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas with her campaign. The Epilepsy Foundation leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. Kaitlynn is a wonderful role model and leader in the community by bringing more awareness to others that being different is okay and how to handle disabilities in a better and healthy way. She is an active volunteer with the Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas and looks forward to gaining more awareness for the organization through her participation with the Fiesta Especial Royal Court Program. Kaitlynn wants to participate on the 2022 court because "she wants to be more involved in the community and grow as a person and increase her self confidence. She knows that self growth will prepare her for society and the real world." 
Annabelle Dominguez, Countess (Raised $1,245)
Age: 17 Benefiting Charity: Any Baby Can HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Annabelle is a returning court member. She knows the ropes and after taking a few years off, returned to serve with a smile and laugh that lights up a room. She has a very happy and vibrant personality. She loves music and going out to eat. She loves and cares about her family. Annabelle has two brothers who are always willing to help her in anything she needs. She loves going for strolls in the park on a nice, warm sunny day. She enjoys riding her pony Big Red when she goes for equestrian therapy. She does well in school and is happy this is her senior year! Annabelle wants to serve on the 2022 court because she likes being included with others and showing people that her disability does not limit her potential. 
Carla Starks, Baroness (Raised $760)
Age: 51 Benefiting Charity: ConnectAbility HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Carla has chosen ConnectAbility to benefit from her campaign. ConnectAbility is a local nonprofit organization that links people with life-altering disabilities to the resources they need. Carla wants everyone to know just because I am disabled doesn't mean I can't do things like everyone else. I can advocate and have a voice and I just do things differently! Carla is excited to be on the royal court again after serving as Baroness in 2020. When asked why she wanted to serve on the 2022 court, she replied "to advocate and let other people know that people with disabilities can fund raise, just like everyone else!" 
Jada Cherry, Page (Raised $625 + $205 more after campaign deadline)
Age: 23 Benefiting Charity: San Antonio Young Life Capernaum HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Jada has selected San Antonio Young Life Capernaum as her benefiting organization. San Antonio Young Life Capernaum is an organization introducing adolescents of every ability to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith in San Antonio, TX. Jada is outgoing and participated on the 2012 Fiesta Especial Royal Court as the Princess. Jada is also Miss NAACP 2016. Jada's participation with the program will bring more awareness of the abilities that people with disabilities can achieve. Jada has graduated from high school and the Nellie Reddix vocational program for young adults with disabilities and continues to prove she is more than her disability by volunteering and working in the community. When asked why she wanted to serve on the 2022 court, he replied "I enjoy meeting new people and like going to Fiesta events and the events with my friends on the Royal Court." 
Alex Rojas, Ambassador
Age: 20 HOW CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY: Alex loves to be social, he truly love people ....all kinds of people, he has never met a stranger! Alex works hard and is so kind and thoughtful. He enjoys helping those less fortunate and will often buy food for homeless with his own money. He knows the sky is the limit on what he is able to achieve and who he is able to help! Alex is a returning Royal Court member and when asked why he wanted to serve on the 2022 court, he replied "he want to meet new people and make new friends!" We know he is going to do that and more! |
List your candidate's name in "Note To Merchant"
section of checkout. CAMPAIGNS BEGIN 8/28/2021. Purchase your tickets to the
September 12th, 2021 Campaign Kick-off below. Get your sneak peek at the 2022 Royal Court at the Reveal Party on December 6th, 2021. Purchase your tickets below.
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