By Loreen Berlin
Soroptimist International of Buena Park held its 45th annual Soroptimist Charity Ball, “Denim & Diamonds,” October 5 at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel where Diane Correa was crowned Miss Buena Park 2019-2020.
Court members are Tiffany Minton and Kelly Lopez. Minton and Correa are graduates of Buena Park High School in Buena Park, where Lopez currently attends.
Each of the young ladies answered one of three questions that included, “If you could start a charity, what would it be and what would it accomplish?”, “If you had a super power, what would it be and why?”, and “If you could share a meal with anyone living or past, who would it be and what meal would you share?”
Correa said she would start an autism charity because she has an autistic brother. She would like to have a one-on-one tutor for autistic children. “I have the love and compassion to help and we can make a big impact when we help those who need it most,” she said.
Lopez said she would have a super power of strength, because some adults need a boost, “and I could do that.”
Minton said she would have a meal with Martin Luther King, “For without this man some things wouldn’t be possible.”
Correa is a lifetime resident of Buena Park and is headed off to Whittier College, with plans to study sociology.
“As a child, I always dreamed of making an impact in my community and Buena Park High School helped me pursue that dream because I found amazing organizations with opportunities to serve, such as ASB, the Key Club and Red Cross,” she said.
She served as the ASB class secretary, ASB spirit coordinator, and ASB president as well as the Key Club publicist.
“Through ASB I was able to help create new ideas to ensure students felt safe, heard and included,” said Correa. “ASB gave me the opportunity to assist with Red Cross Blood Drives while serving as a Red Cross Commissioner.”
At Whittier College, Correa plans on aligning herself with the Associate Students of Whittier College, where she will serve a one-year term, along with the Women’s Empowerment group.
“I am grateful for the city of Buena Park that has shaped me and helped me be who I am today, through the support of its wonderful citizens; I thank my family and friends for their support and a special thank you to Soroptimist International of Buena Park for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” she said.
Lopez noted that an armadillo shell and that she, like the armadillo shell, is powerful enough to fight off whatever comes her way.
“I won’t give up no matter what,” she said.
Through the BPHS Farm, Lopez cared for a pig, feeding and cleaning up after it for two months.
“Taking care of the pig showed me a great deal about responsibility and how to be patient; outside of school, I work with little children to make crafts at my local church. This taught me to be compassionate and remain calm when I’m working with children,” she said.
At school, Lopez has good grades and is a role model to others. “Having good grades is really important to me because it shows I care and what I’m learning; being a role model helps to strengthen my communication and leadership skills. With my friends we created Coyote Web 101, that helps students from foreign countries with different languages,” she said. “I assisted my peers with homework and guided them around the school through a tour.”
Lopez said that although she is a confident person, she is a bit shy and so she ran for Miss Buena Park to step outside of her comfort zone, to grow and meet new people, and to become “a better me and help me learn how to help our community.”
Minton is a third-year Criminal Justice student at Fullerton College. Adopted at the age of nine months, her parents instilled the importance of education.
“This is why I’ve always had a strong desire to pursue higher education; I received both honor roll and student of the trimester numerous times as I matriculated through school and felt a true sense of belonging there,” she shared. “Watching the TV show ‘Criminal Minds’ conclusively led me to my major and my desire to change the criminal justice system, and that is something I know isn’t going to be easy; however, I have no doubt that I’m up to the challenge.”
After Fullerton College, Minton plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton to complete her bachelor’s degree, with an objective to attend law school and obtain her Juris Doctorate degree.
She said, “I want to be the change that I’d like to see. It’s not possible for change to occur without fearless resilient people and I’d like to pave the way for future generations.”
“Each young lady has, over time, demonstrated a combination of leadership skills, service accountability and poise,” acknowledged Chairperson Mary Sutherland, going on to say that, “Miss Buena Park and her court members become ambassadors to the city and surrounding communities in Orange County as they work with various charitable organizations throughout her reigning year.”
Sutherland continued, “The 2018-2019 girls had an incredible journey and were very involved in the community and did a fabulous job for Soroptimists and the city and I’m sure the 2019-2020 girls will be on that same incredible journey for the city they live in—and I want to congratulate Diane on becoming Miss Buena Park and her court, who are all community-minded and will be as great as all of the past Miss Buena Parks have been.”
Sutherland said the past winners have all presented themselves well for the city of Buena Park. “This time, each winner will make their own decisions as to which events they want to attend, which will be community events; their involvement will be good learning and growing experiences for the girls—they are all fine young ladies who are very community-minded, especially in this era where there can be more interest in their phones.”
Sutherland reiterated that Soroptimists is about empowerment of girls and women.
She said, “We are their mentors so they will join an organization and give back.”
Sutherland is turning the Charity Ball reins over to a new committee for the future after having served many years as the chair, serving continuously since 2012 to date. Sutherland has been a Soroptimist member for 37 years.
“All of the girls mean a lot to me and we have enjoyed a closeness. It’s wonderful to see so many of the former Miss Buena Park’s return for the Charity Ball each year,” Sutherland said. “Charity begins within your own organization and I’m happy for all of the girls; it’s difficult to pass on the reins, but it’s time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
The evening included complimentary hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner, entertainment and then the exciting announcement of next year’s Miss Buena Park, announced by longtime Master of Ceremonies Former Buena Park Mayor Steve Berry.
The final vote for Miss Buena Park is ultimately decided by those who attend the event as they listen to each young lady tell her own story, listing her accomplishments, goals and objectives, and then casting their individual votes. All of the young ladies were very well-qualified and it was interesting to listen to their inspiring talks.
For Soroptimist information, email sibuenapark@soroptimist.net.
