October 16, 2023
Involved student ready to take on more as an Arkalalah finalist
Engaged in numerous activities on Cowley College’s main campus in Arkansas City, Daniela Salcedo is well-known to students and instructors alike. The always-busy sophomore will add to her hectic schedule as she was recently named one of five finalists for Queen Alalah XCI. Coronation is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, in the Robert Brown Theatre.
Salcedo has lived in Arkansas City for the past 10 years and graduated from Arkansas City High School in 2022. At ACHS, she was involved in band, concert band, AC Players, Arkettes, Ark Highs, Usherettes, cheer, symphonic choir, and the National Honor Society.
Her parents are Raul Gonzales and Maria Salcedo. She has a brother, David Gonzales 15, and two sisters, Isabella Gonzales 16, and Victoria Gonzales 9.
“Money was a big factor in my coming to Cowley, but I also knew a lot of the staff at the college,” Salcedo said. “Cowley is also very community involved, which I liked.”
At Cowley, she participates in concert band, concert choir, jazz band, Phi Theta Kappa, Act One Drama Club, CC Singers, Voices Heard, International Students Club, and is a student ambassador.
“I like Cowley so much that I was contemplating staying a third year, but plan to transfer to a four-year university out of state,” Salcedo said.
Growing up, she would spend Arkalalah surrounded by family members. She took her quinceanera pictures at Arkalalah and enjoyed riding the carnival rides while growing up.
“It feels crazy knowing that I am not originally from Ark City, but I have accomplished a lot and been involved in the community,” Salcedo said.
She works at the Sid L. Regnier Bookstore and enjoys reading and watching medical videos.
She is majoring in pre-medicine and hopes to become a clinical lab technician.
“I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field because it is challenging and ever-changing, and I need something to keep me driven,” Salcedo said.
Despite her busy schedule, Salcedo plans to enjoy everything that comes with being a Queen Alalah finalist.
“I hope to be able to appreciate life's little moments and know this is a huge honor,” Salcedo said. “I don’t want to take this for granted and hope to bond with the other candidates.”
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Rama Peroo | Director of Institutional Communication
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
rama.peroo@cowley.edu