The newest member of Dowagiac’s royal sisterhood will be crowned later this month, as the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant hosts its 76th ceremony on Jan. 24.

Over the next several weeks, the Dowagiac Daily News will feature the profiles of the 12 ladies vying for the crown.

This year’s pageant will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for the event are available inside the office of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, inside the Dowagiac train depot.

Next is contestant number five:

Name: Cinthia Sanchez

Age: 18

Height: 5’2

Eye Color: Brown

Parents/Guardians: Ricardo Sanchez and Maria Cano

Brothers/Sisters: Noemi, 19

School Attending: Dowagiac Union High School

Grade: 12

School Activities: Rotary Interact

Outside Activities: Youth Group for St. Gabriel Church

Interests and Hobbies: Listening to music, being around my family, movies, dogs

Awards and Honors: Presidents Award, Soccer award

Three words to describe you: Unique, friendly, and caring

What are your ambitions and plans after graduation? My ambitions and plans after graduation is going to SMC for two years and then transferring to a university to finish a career in accounting.

What is your greatest accomplishment(s)? My greatest accomplishment is being a senior in high school. Some people aren’t able to become a senior because they don’t have the support of their parents or just find it unnecessary because they think without a diploma they can find a job.

Why did you decide to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac? I decided to compete for the title of Miss Dowagiac 2015 because I want to gain experience for later in life when I’m looking for jobs. I will also learn how to act and dress for interviews and the most important reason is to have a fun time with every girl that is going out for Miss Dowagiac.