De La Garza crowned Miss TAMUK
Amid cheers, teary-eyed applause and the rustle of gowns, Ariana De La Garza was crowned Miss TAMUK 2025 on April 12.
But it was not about the sash, or the scholarship, or the applause. It was about the story behind the smile.
As the two finalists Taylor Wood and De La Garza were waiting alongside each other, nervously waiting to hear who will become the queen of TAMUK, it was announced junior De La Garza took the crown, as her family and supporters cheered on loud and proud in the audience as the two finalists shared a hug.
“As a first- generation Latina and mechanical engineer, being crowned Centennial Miss TAMUK is more than a title, it’s a testament to resilience representation, and the power of dreams,” De La Garza said.
And those words echoed louder than any applause. Because this year, more than gowns or glitter, it was that shared sense of purpose of showing up for something bigger than oneself that truly defined the moment. Each contestant brought a story, a struggle, a triumph, and
the courage to tell it aloud. In a world quick to judge, the Miss TAMUK stage became a place to be seen not just for how one looks, but for who one is.
Former Miss. TAMUK Robin Barrera crowns the 2025 Miss TAMUK Ariana De La Garza .
“The main purpose of this is to showcase all the lovely talent that we do have on campus. It’s just an opportunity for our students to come out, earn an opportunity at earning a scholarship. You get to hear the passion, how they want to serve not only TAMUK but to serve the community,” event coordinator Marina Gerragauch said.
Pervious winner Talia Hernandez (2023) and Robyn Barrera (2024) both had the pleasure to be the faces of TAMUK and were honored to represent Kingsville.
“I think it’s amazing to see new students wanting to carry on that legacy of being a representation of something truly special,” Hernandez said.
De La Garza was also named Miss Congeniality and Miss Lantana.
As the stage lights dimmed and the applause fades into memory, one thing is certain Miss TAMUK is a living legacy, stitched together by stories of strength, sacrifice and self-belief.
When the women step onto that stage, they do not just represent themselves.
They carry their culture, journey, community, and every dream that once felt too big to speak aloud.
And when Miss TAMUK walks off?
She does not leave the spotlight behind; she becomes it.