Meet the International Festival princesses: Cynthia Torres, Puerto Rican princess

Cynthia Torres, 18, Puerto Rican princess (Photo by Tom Mahl, The Chronicle-Telegram)

Name: Cynthia Y. Torres

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Listen to Cynthia introduce herself. (Audio courtesy of WEOL.)

Age: 18

Sponsor: The Historical Resources of Puerto Rico

Parents: Yvette Pabon and Jose M. Torres

High school: 2009 graduate of Lorain Southview High School

Future plans: “I plan to attend Cleveland State University in the fall of 2009. I will be double-majoring in biology and nursing and minoring in Spanish.”

Costume: “Every detail of the design of the dress has significant meaning. It shows the nobility and simplicity of the Puerto Rican women.”

Roots: “My father was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and came to the United States with his parents for a better life. My maternal grandfather, Ramon P. Velazquez, was born in San German, Puerto Rico. My grandpa immigrated in 1953 and came to work at a farm in New Jersey to support his children.”

Favorite ethnic food: tostones de platanos and limber

Favorite musician: Wisin & Yandel

Favorite book: Twilight series by Stephanie Myers

Favorite movie: “Titanic”

A message from Cynthia: “Since Puerto Rico is the spotlight nationality this year, it makes me very excited, and proud to be represent my Puerto Rican heritage. I have always wanted to be a princess since I was a little girl, and now I have the chance to show everyone the pride that I have for my heritage. It’s a great experience to part take in.”