Showcasing a panel of creative talents, dances and dynamic personalities, the Mr. Coral Gables pageant was the premiere event on campus when mid-December rolled around. However, at the end of the night, only one contestant was dubbed “Mr. Coral Gables”.
After incredible performances, senior Nico Delgado was the one to hoist the winning sash. While many people remember him as the contestant with the “best talent”, Delgado has made it clear that winning Mr. Coral Gables is more than a legacy. In his eyes, this award is a representation of personal character and school spirit, more than mere talent.
Representing the boys volleyball team, many would agree that Delgado is no stranger to the spotlight. Earlier this year, Delgado performed in Fall Frolics as a Gablette sweetheart. Last year, he danced in Mr. Coral Gables, an experience that prepared him to feel comfortable in front of a large crowd, a key skill going into this year’s show.
Yet, Delgado remembers when his passion for visual performance took flight. His freshman year, Delgado attended Mr. Coral Gables to support his older brother, Romulo, a senior at the time. After watching his brother sing and eventually win the pageant, Delgado knew that he wanted to participate in the show.
“I like to say that the era is ending. That’s it, you know. My brother and I are the last brothers in our family to participate and ultimately win Mr. Coral Gables…Granted, many people think the pageant is a silly little thing. But for me, participating in this event means so much because I get to represent my school and family simultaneously,” senior Nico Delgado said.
Fast forward three years later, Delgado was in the same position as his brother. In October, Delgado began planning a talent with the help of his peers. A week before auditions, Delgado was confident in his talent, but not for long. He completely changed his idea.
“People thought I took a month or two to finalize my talent, but no. I promise you, my friends and I filmed a video in two to three days [prior to auditions],” senior Delgado said.
For Mr. Coral Gables, Delgado ended up filming half of a music video and proceeded to dance on stage for the second part of his talent. He recruited four of his friends to join him and dance along to the song “One Way Or Another” by Blondie, exciting the crowd with the element of surprise.
“I was amazed that our group supported him during his talent. It was a super fun experience to share the stage with [Delgado]. Being a part of his performance gave me a sense of what Mr. Coral Gables is like because I hope on participating and potentially winning my senior year,” sophomore Erick Del Valle.
During the show, Delgado recalls his parents and friends waving cutout faces of him in the air to support his performance. Drawing energy from the crowd, Delgado shouted out his family during the top five interview process.
“The crowd was definitely engaging. My family and friends was going absolutely crazy with cut out faces of me. Also, the people who danced with me on stage wore shirts with my face on it. Without a doubt, the support I received [at Mr. Coral Gables] was more gratifying than the winner’s sash,” senior Delgado said.
Despite executing a good talent and eventually winning, Delgado attests to the bond he formed with contestants representing different clubs and sports. Whether practice dance moves or talking about each other’s talents, Delgado cherishes the memories and the friends he made along the way.
“We’re all athletes and students there to have fun. I would tell people thinking of joining the Mr. Coral Gables pageant to enjoy it and embrace the friendships because it goes by really fast,” senior Nico Delgado said.
