Is she the one?

The Mash is picking one Chicago-area teen to be our queen! We’ll spring for her dress, shoes, accessories and her ‘do with only one catch: Readers of The Mash will get to decide what she’s going to wear! We’ll document every step of the way so you can help her look beautiful on prom night. The winner’s school will also receive $1,000 to help make their prom a night to truly remember.

Get to know our three remaining finalists and from now until Tuesday, March 15 at noon, you can cast your votes below here online and via text message once per hour. Ready, set, VOTE!

KAYLA HANCOCK
Senior, H.L. Richards
Who is your dream prom date?
Patrick Kane. I’m a huge Hawks fan and he’s not too old for it to be really weird. I think it would be fun because he’s a pretty funny guy!

Describe your dream dress.
Something outrageous! Probably with something sparkly, very bright and the first thing you’d notice when you walk in the room. Maybe something yellow!

Tell us something random about yourself.
I’m a vegetarian who just started eating poultry. I love veggie burgers on the grill in the summer.

What are three must-have songs on your prom playlist?
“Raise Your Glass” by Pink, “Cha-Cha Slide” and “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz.

Read Kayla’s essay on why she wants to be PROMathon queen.

Want Kayla to be our queen? Text KAYLA to 31286 or vote online.

NATHALY VALDIVIA
Senior, Mather
Why do you want to be The Mash’s prom queen?
I think my school deserves $1,000 because we’re on such a tight budget that we can’t afford anything even with the fundraising we’ve done. With having a baby, I also really need the opportunity to have a free prom dress and accessories (so I can afford to go).

What’s your proudest moment?
When my first semester report card came, I had straight A’s in all honors and AP classes, so I was really proud.

What makes you smile?
My son, seeing good grades on every report card and being able to talk to my dad at least once a week since I don’t get to see him. He lives in Peru and I haven’t seen him in seven years.

Describe your dream dress.
I’d like a mermaid-style dress in coral or teal, poofy at the bottom with sparkles at the top and some nice accessories.

Read Nathaly’s essay on why she wants to be PROMathon queen.

Want Nathaly to be our queen? Text NATHALY to 31286 or vote online.

GABRIELA PIZARRO
Senior, Schurz
Describe your dream dress.
My dream dress would be short! It would have a little train in the back with sequins and a lot of colors like yellow or green.

Who is your celebrity style icon?
I really like the fashion industry and how the Kardashian girls dress. I really like Dash and I wish they would open one in Chicago!

What do you like to do on the weekend?
Hang out with friends, watch movies and eat Chinese food!

Tell us something random about yourself.
I am totally random! I’m always changing topics from one conversation to another. I have lots of crazy, random thoughts.

Read Gabriela’s essay on why she wants to be PROMathon queen.

Want Gabriela to be our queen? Text GABRIELA to 31286 or vote online.

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED

Readers Comments

hector sebastian pizarro
March 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm

i think gabriela pizarro should win
jasmine pizarro
March 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm

vote for gabriela pizarro
griselda vicente
March 3, 2011 at 5:32 pm

vote for the greatest queen: gabriela pizarro
Ritz
March 3, 2011 at 6:09 pm

VOTE FOR NATHALY! =))
reyna s.
March 3, 2011 at 6:40 pm

vote for nathaly
reyna s.
March 3, 2011 at 6:48 pm

voten por nathaly .es una excelente estudiante y una maravillosa mama que dia a dia lucha por salir adelante con sus estudios este es un voto en espanol para que se den cuenta que hay mucha gente hispana que lucha y que no deja que las oportunidades llegen a uno si no hay que buscar las oportunidades y que luchen por sus estudios
HECTOR JALK
March 3, 2011 at 7:14 pm

bueno creo que ahi la ganadora es Nathaly Valdivia
HECTOR JALK
March 3, 2011 at 7:15 pm

well I think there is Nathaly Valdivia winner
Claudia Pizarro
March 3, 2011 at 7:36 pm

Vote for Gabriela!!!! Go Gaby!!!!
Robby
March 3, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Please vote for Kayla – she is so sweet and so deserving
- Kiki
  March 4, 2011 at 7:59 pm
  
  I agree Robby – very sweet and considerate. Always puts everyone’s needs before hers. She really deserves to win!
Jailene
March 3, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Vote Nathaly <3
Urooj
March 3, 2011 at 8:11 pm

I believe Nathaly should when because she is the best canidate for this contest!!
VOTE NATHALY!!!! <3

p.s. she deserves it
jazmap !
March 3, 2011 at 8:27 pm

NATHALY !!!<3
Arbella Solayman
March 3, 2011 at 9:26 pm

VOTE FOR NATHALY PLEASE! she honestly deserves this SO MUCH!!!! <3
Jay Santiago Maldonado
March 3, 2011 at 10:05 pm

Vote Nathaly!!!
she the Best Canidate, she deserves this <3
Tom Kresal
March 3, 2011 at 11:26 pm

Kayla should win because she is a genuine person who is kind and caring
Tongy Tran
March 4, 2011 at 1:14 am

.Vote for Nathaly =]

She deserves this =]
jennette bennett
March 4, 2011 at 6:51 am

Let’s go Nathaly. U deserve this…
alejandra
March 4, 2011 at 10:14 am

i think nathaly should win she is the sweetest person in the world and she should win i VOTED for her (:
Aide
March 4, 2011 at 10:16 am

I think Nathaly should win(:<3
mary dean
March 4, 2011 at 11:02 am

Kayla Rules!! She should win!!!
Kelly
March 4, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Go Kayla! You are such a wonderful representative of Richards and the entire south side!
Melissa
March 4, 2011 at 1:15 pm

NATHALY
I LOVE YOU
UR AN AWESOME MOM & AN INTELLIGENT STUDENT & AN AMAZING FRIEND!!

YOU SHOULD WIN!!! :]
Ammaarah K
March 4, 2011 at 1:57 pm

VOTE FOR NATHALY!
Kaytlen
March 4, 2011 at 2:16 pm

VOTE FOR NATHALYYYY(:
Kaytlen
March 4, 2011 at 2:17 pm

VOTE FOR NATHALY
Tyler
March 4, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Kayla is a great student, leader, and person. She always puts others before herself and is incredibly caring!
aden
March 4, 2011 at 4:35 pm

Vote 4 Nathaly
i hope u win babgurll!:)
Dana
March 4, 2011 at 5:37 pm

VOTE FOR KAYLA!
bee
March 4, 2011 at 6:21 pm

VOTE NATHALY =D
jen
March 4, 2011 at 6:46 pm

vote for nathaly!
Annonymous
March 4, 2011 at 7:29 pm

You go Nathaly!! She really is the best candidate! she’s all around well rounded person, a great mom, a very intelligent person. She’s never let anything stop her from what she wants! She deserves this immensely.
Ritz
March 4, 2011 at 7:46 pm

NATHALY! WOOT WOOT! =)
Mireyaa
March 4, 2011 at 8:12 pm

Vote! For Gabby! You Sure Be PROMathon Queen! Hope You Win! =)
Elyse Paredes
March 5, 2011 at 2:17 am

VOTE NATHALY!
SHe Really deserves this, she works so hard in school,
and is raising a baby too, most girls would drop out but it made her
stronger and more determinded! This is once in a lifetime DO IT FOR HER!
Joanne
March 5, 2011 at 10:24 am

Good Luck Kayla!!!!

VOTE FOR KAYLA!!!!!!(:
Arbella Solayman
March 5, 2011 at 11:01 am

you guys have no idea how much nathaly deserves this. she’s an amazing person, a wonderful representative, and honestly the best candidate. she is a great role model for all students. she has taken her body image AFTER having a child and still thinks of herself as beautiful, she has worked harder than EVER by STILL taking all honors and AP courses while having a child and 3 jobs, and at the end of the day, she’s a great mother and a girl with a GREAT head on her shoulders, if she wins, her school will not have to worrying about cancelling their prom, they’ll me the deficit amount for the deposit for the banquet hall and all of her senior classmates will be forever in her and themash’s debt. please, PLEASE vote for NATHALY <3
Arbella Solayman
March 5, 2011 at 11:02 am

to *be worrying
they’ll *meet the

xD
Mary Ann
March 5, 2011 at 12:53 pm

I think Kayla should win , she works hard in school , and it’s not all about her she looks out for the wellfare of others . Vote for Kayla she a nice girl who deserves it .
George
March 5, 2011 at 1:15 pm

Vote for Kayla she deserves to win . She’s a hard worker , and she is alway’s looking for way’s to help others .
faby garcia
March 5, 2011 at 1:16 pm

vote for nathaly ,sh is a really nice mom and person
anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Everyone vote twice for Nathaly!!! xD online and by text!!
Joanne
March 5, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Good Luck
anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 4:55 pm

go kayla!
VOTE4NATHALY
March 5, 2011 at 5:21 pm

VOTE NATHALY!
VOTE NATHALY!
VOTE NATHALY!

VOTE NATHALY! Come on theMASH PICK HER!
NATHALY4WIN
March 5, 2011 at 5:22 pm

VOTE 4 NATHALY!
SHE DESERVES THIS, & EVERYONE KNOWS IT!
alejandra
March 5, 2011 at 5:51 pm

GO NATHALY ! i luv u girl and i think u should win i’m so proud of you (:
Judith Alonso
March 5, 2011 at 6:25 pm

Gabriela Pizarro deserves to win.
Gaby we know why.
Please vote for Gabriela!!
Abigayle
March 5, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Vote Kayla !!! She really should win .
Aileen Vielman
March 5, 2011 at 9:36 pm

My vote goes to Nathaly because she has proven time after time that she i the ideal candidate. Not only is she sweet to all, goes out of her way but she is also ambitious. She has overcame obstacles and continues to succeed.I would be happy to know a qualified and deserving person received this opportunity.
jazmap !
March 5, 2011 at 11:19 pm

Cant think of one reason why Nathaly doesnt deserves this
I’m voting for her every chance I get !<3
CP**double "A"
March 6, 2011 at 7:13 am

Regardless of the results, I know your a WINNER because you have worked hard and stayed focused to accomplish your goals. You deserve to WIN this and by vote is for you!!!! GO GABY!!!!!!!
VOTE FOR NATHALY
March 6, 2011 at 9:48 am

Someone give me 5 legitimate reasons why Kayla should win and I’ll give you 10 more even greater reasons for Nathaly! ♥ She’s the best candidate here. Sure Kayla’s a smart, nice and giving person but so is Nathaly and to top it off she’s got three jobs and a kid but that doesn’t stop her from being who she wants to be. She has set out to make a difference, She’s an exception to all the stereotypes of a teen mom! She deserves our support and she deserves to win this.
- Vote for Kayla!
  March 7, 2011 at 12:58 am
  
  Kayla is an outstanding student, puts her needs before anyone else, is in the top 10% of her class, is in the National Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Teen Court, Editor of her school Newspaper, Varsity Cheerleading Captain, Senior Leader, Snowball Leader, etc. She dedicates herself 110% I have never known anyone to give so much to others and expect anything in return! and she does have a job! Good Luck Kayla you deserve it!
Eliza
March 6, 2011 at 11:18 am

GO KAYLA!!!!!!!!!
You’re the BEST!!!!!!!!!!
gubee
March 6, 2011 at 11:58 am

Vote for Kayla! She’s a top student, she volunteers within the community, she’s always out to help others, and she is a very responsible person! You can always trust her!
isela ramirez
March 6, 2011 at 2:12 pm

GO NATHALY
GO NATHALY
GO NATHALY (:
angie:]
March 6, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Ivote Nathaly !
Marco Pizarro
March 6, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Gaby parami ya eres una ganadora quedes como quedes siempre fuiste lo eres y lo seras una ganadora porque tus amigos y tu familia esta comtigo ten fe en dios que el te tiene tu trono a su lado ARRIVA mi hija echale ganas
Carl
March 6, 2011 at 7:04 pm

Kayla is a hard working young lady and is always ready to help others in and out of school. Good Luck Kayla
anirak
March 6, 2011 at 7:33 pm

GO NATHALY!!!!
Lorraine Cooke
March 6, 2011 at 7:42 pm

My vote is for Nathaly…..because she is genuine !
mary
March 6, 2011 at 9:38 pm

voto por GABY, animo Gaby tu puedes, voten por Gaby es una gran persona, buena hija, responsable y estudiante, ya eres ganadora.
jose javier
March 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm

voto por Gaby, vote por Gaby es la mejor, arriba Gaby
LOREN TAYLOR GANG
March 6, 2011 at 10:09 pm

GO NATHALY!!!! I VOTE FOR YOU EVERY HOUR TEXT AND ONLINE I EVEN MAKE MY BOYFRIEND/BABY DADDY VOTE!!!!
Mary Ann
March 7, 2011 at 6:22 am

Kayla we think you deserve to win and were giving our all with our votes to help you reach your goal . Vote for Kayla !
Suzie
March 7, 2011 at 7:43 am

Please vote for Kayla. She deserves to win because she is a hardworking student that is dedicated to her school, family, friends and her community.
faby garcia
March 7, 2011 at 8:47 am

NATHAL U CAN WIN THIS WE BELIVE IN U
Darrow
March 7, 2011 at 9:57 am

vote for Nathaly <3
Danielle
March 7, 2011 at 10:02 am

people, no matter what the score is we gotta keep voting for Nathaly!!! I vote online and by text and I also make my sister vote for you too xD
- Ritz
  March 7, 2011 at 11:12 am
  
  Danielle!!
- jazmap !
  March 7, 2011 at 11:24 am
  
  Danielle ! haha YEAH GUYS KEEP VOTING ! =]
  GO NATHALY !!
Ritz
March 7, 2011 at 11:13 am

VOTE FOR NATHALY!!!! =)
MAKE SURE YOU TEXT ‘NATHALY’ to 31286!!!!
isela ramirez
March 7, 2011 at 2:12 pm

Vote for Nathaly keep voting and voting !
GOOOO NATHALY (:
isabella
March 7, 2011 at 8:05 pm

nathaly goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
alec rigik
March 7, 2011 at 10:09 pm

KAYLA
Maria Amelia
March 8, 2011 at 12:33 pm

Go Gabby!!!
Cristina (Nathaly's little sister)
March 8, 2011 at 1:23 pm

NATHALY SHOULD WIN THIS.SHE HAS A CHILD AND IS STILL AN AMAZING STUDENT,SHE ALSO HAS A CHILD 2 TAKE CARE OF AND SHE IS ALSO THE PERFECT INSPIRATION 4 HER SON,SHE IS A WONDERFUL SISTER ALSO AND THE PERFECT INSPIRATION FOR ME SHE IS THERE FOR ME NO MATTER WHAT.SHE HAS 3 JOBS I THINK THAT MAKES HER FEEL LIKE AN ADULT WHEN SHE HAS TIME TO BE A TEENAGER.SHE WANT THIS NIGHT 2 BE SPECIAL.PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEE PEOPLE VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN 2 MAKE THE NIGHT SPECIAL 4 HER.NATHALY I KNOW YOU ARE GOING 2 WIN THIS. I LOVE YOU <3 <3 <3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brooke
March 8, 2011 at 5:10 pm

Kayla is the best candidate by far. I can name so many reasons why she should win, not just two or three like I see the other commenters saying about the other competitors. She’s my senior leader and always comes in with a smile on her face and something fun for that day. She goes out of her way to help people and she is involved in so many school activities. She’s a great role model. Overall, she is the best candidate by far. Vote for Kayla<3.
George
March 8, 2011 at 5:38 pm

Kayla were pulling for you all the way .
John W.
March 8, 2011 at 8:22 pm

Kayla “ROCKS”!!!!!
Jown W.
ayana
March 8, 2011 at 9:37 pm

GO NATHALY! YOU ROCK
Arbella Solayman
March 8, 2011 at 11:40 pm

sometimes people need to think about the bigger picture. our school really needs this money, without it…we might not have a prom. im sorry to those who feel like we mean offense when we say that nathaly is a great student too, but thats just the case, she is. if you take the best qualities from kayla and gaby’s essays, and throw in 3 jobs and a son, then youve got the hardest working girl I know. shes had a son and still has a wonderful body image. she deserves this chance to really feel beautiful. she NEEDS the money, and so does our school. we’re a smaller city school who doesnt get funding from its school for dances, we have to raise every cent. we work really hard, please, please vote for nathaly. Im SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT, trust me, i know a thing or two about being a role model. I have to say, nathaly is a great one. shes a good friend, good student, and a good mom. say what you want about our school, but nathaly relly deserves it.
Edgar
March 9, 2011 at 10:34 am

VOTE FOR PEDRO !!! (: HaHa

Vote fr GabbYY!!!!!!!!
Mary Ann
March 9, 2011 at 10:36 am

I’m sure all three girls have worked hard for what they want and what they have . And I”m sure each school could use the money for the prom .But the fact is there can only be one winner , and our votes are on Kayla . We are with you all the way Kayla
Vi Khim
March 9, 2011 at 1:07 pm

NATHALY ALL THE WAY! <3 love you baby girl(: you deserve it
Mel
March 9, 2011 at 1:21 pm

NATHALY YOU’RE STILL THE BEST!!!!<3

YOU GOT THIS, U GOT ALL OF OUR VOTES!!
U DESERVE IT!!!! :]
MARISOL PURECO
March 9, 2011 at 1:46 pm

IF THIS CONTEST IS ABOUT WHO REALLY *DESERVES* TO WIN THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE LEFT NATHALY AS AN ONLY CANDIDATE. SHE REPRESENTS WHAT EVERY TEEN MOM SHOULD BE: DETERMINED AND DEDICATED. IT TAKES A LOT TO RAISE A CHILD AND SHE HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB RAISING HER BABY. HAVING A BABY ALSO MEANS GIVING UP A LOT OF THINGS IN HIGH SCHOOL. NATHALY SHOULD REALLY WIN, ITS HARD TO FEEL A TEENAGER WHEN ONE HAS TO WORK MULTIPLE JOBS AND BE A PARENT. NATHALY IS A PERSON WHO DOESNT GIVE UP. SHE HAS THAT DETERMINATION IN HER EYES TO GET TO WHERE SHE AIMS TO BE. THE OTHER TWO CANDIDATES MIGHT BE NICE AND ALL BUT NATHALY REALLY IS A PERSON WHO STRIVES FOR THE HIGHEST AND IS A GREAT MOTHER! SO PEOPLE VOTE FOR NATHALY, SHE IS THE ONE THAT DESERVES IT!
Laura
March 9, 2011 at 6:58 pm

Go Kayla!!! I think you deserve to win! You are such a giving person that I think it’s time something gives back to you! Wishing you all the best!
Sam[:
March 10, 2011 at 12:22 am

VOTE FOR NATHALY <3
Tina
March 10, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Vote for my best friend NATHALY
<3
Mary Ann
March 11, 2011 at 4:09 pm

Kayla you deserve to win . we’ll keep voting till the end . GOOD LUCK !!!
Amanda
March 11, 2011 at 5:50 pm

Kayla deserves to win . !

Vote for Kaylaa ! (:
Eliza
March 12, 2011 at 3:39 pm

go kayla!
we love you!
RITZ
March 14, 2011 at 8:30 am

GOOO NATHALY!!! =D
TuTu
March 14, 2011 at 11:49 am

Heyyyy Nathalyyyyy you go girllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll <3333333333333
vote for youuuuuu
Bubu
March 14, 2011 at 11:50 am

NATHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALYYY!!!! <38463846834636483468364
Youre the bestttttttt ;D

-xoxo BUBU
ricahards represent!
March 14, 2011 at 6:09 pm

VOTE KAYLA! She deserves it. <3
Christopher(Mr.Red)
March 14, 2011 at 7:54 pm

Vote Nathaly….she has alot to be proud of, come on now!
LETS GO Nathaly
George
March 14, 2011 at 7:59 pm

HANG IN THERE KAYLA ! YOU ARE THE ONE THAT DESERVES TO WIN .
WERE BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY. VOTE FOR KAYLA
Ritz
March 14, 2011 at 8:03 pm

NATHALY IS THE ONE WHO REALLY DESERVES IT!

VOTE FOR NATHALY!!!!

TEXT ‘NATHALY’ to 31286!
- Christopher(Mr.Red)
  March 14, 2011 at 8:09 pm
  
  Vote Nathaly
Rosalyn Tran
March 14, 2011 at 9:33 pm

Nathaly =]
Suvi
March 14, 2011 at 9:36 pm

NATHALLLLLLY ALL THE WAY BABY GIRL! [:
Chau Nguyen
March 14, 2011 at 9:38 pm

Im helping to Vote for Nathaly because Suvi told me to
Soul Tran
March 14, 2011 at 9:41 pm

i love nathaly, i love for her
Janet
March 14, 2011 at 11:07 pm

A vegetarian that just starting eating poultry…..how does that work
- Go Bulldogs!
  March 15, 2011 at 12:04 pm
  
  Janet, I don’t think the nature of this contest, nor this forum, was to be rude about other competitors’ replies.
  - Uncle Doug
    March 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm
    
    Janet – it’s called poultritarianism. Look it up. Seriously, the girl didn’t have a choice – she’s a die-hard Hawks fan. It’s inevitable that she had to be some kind of carnivore. They don’t sell salads or tofu at the United Center, and you can’t last an entire game on soft-serve and nachos.
- Vote for Kayla!
  March 16, 2011 at 9:17 pm
  
  It’s called a choice!
Isabella
March 15, 2011 at 12:16 am

Nathaly all the way!
You deserve it.

VOTE NATHALY
Mary Ann
March 15, 2011 at 6:58 am

Kayla I hope you win , because right now you are doing what high school is all about for kids . Learning , trying out new things , and having fun . These were your years you should be enjoying them .
Marco Pizarro
March 15, 2011 at 12:20 pm

Gracias a toda la gente que votaron por GABRIELA muchicimas pero muchicimas gracias ……adios
marissa TEXAS baker
March 15, 2011 at 4:21 pm

hey nat hope u win
Tabatha
March 15, 2011 at 5:14 pm

So, Who was the winner!? anyone know?
- Bell
  March 16, 2011 at 9:24 pm
  
  yes we know
Tenni!
March 15, 2011 at 6:08 pm

Kayla is the all around kindest person out there and she is doing this because she deserves it fully. You go Kayla! (: