Maypole queen's mom wanted her to be part of it

Maypole, a longstanding tradition at Portales High School, started all the way back in 1929. This year's queen, Amanda Martinez, is the first queen to her family's knowledge with Down syndrome.

Cindy Martinez, Amanda's mom, said "I wanted her to be a part of it. Because to me, Maypole is such a big bonding of the seniors." Cindy said Amanda won queen against one other girl running. Amanda, she said, isn't usually one to go all out for events and is usually shy. However, when it came to running for Maypole queen, Amanda was confident she'd get it.

"She was like, 'Mom, I'm going to win. I'm going to win,'" Cindy said.

Amanda's campaign was limited to five posters. That didn't seem to hinder her number of votes at all.

When asked about Amanda's reaction to finding out she won, Cindy said, "She just got kind of like emotional, you know. I think it was just kind of overwhelming." Cindy said she cried when she found out because she was so excited for Amanda.

Maypole is described as a formal dance performed by the graduating senior class at the end of the year. Those participating will perform a formal waltz while weaving ribbons around a pole. Taking part in Maypole is a family tradition for the Martinez bunch.

"I winded my senior year, and all three of my boys winded as well. My sister participated in it, and my brother participated in it," Cindy said. This is another reason why she really wanted Amanda to be a part of it all, even if she didn't win queen.

Cindy said they were able to find the perfect dress for Amanda recently. "More than likely, she's not going to get married, you know. And so with Maypole queen, they get to wear a big white dress."

Now, Cindy will get to watch her daughter shine like everyone else at the big dance. Maypole will take place at the high school on May 19, and the community is welcome to attend.