LITTLE ROCK, AR -- On April 30, 2009 students at Philander Smith College, a private, historically Black college, made history this spring when 20-year-old Francennett Herrera became the first woman of Mexican origin to win the crown of Miss Philander Smith College. The sophomore political science major will serve the 2009-2010 as campus queen.



Originally from Durango, Mexico, and raised by a single mother and her grandmother, Francennett moved with her family to the United States at the age of thirteen, spending time in Washington state before settling in Illinois. In 2007 she graduated from Olive Harvey Middle College in Chicago where she was elected Prom Queen by the student body with a 3.5 grade point average. Soon after, she was on her way to Little Rock to attend Philander Smith College as a Mason Scholar, becoming the first person in her family to attend college.



“Throughout my life I have prided myself on having high academic standards as well as having a positive social standing with everyone I meet.”



Her studious and pleasant nature was no doubt an asset that helped her to win the title of Miss PSC, a contest that she was initially hesitant to enter. “I first considered running for a position in the student government association because I had doubts, as the only Hispanic contestant, that the students would actually vote for me.”



When she heard her name announced as the new Miss PSC, she says felt “shock,” but her reaction paled in comparison to her family’s response. “My mom was super excited and screaming over the phone and my grandma was crying; they were behind me the whole way.”



Already active in several campus activities, ...