Princesa Kimberly berly Dawn Rosa Rosa- Maria Appa Appa- Cortez

KIMBERLY IS 16 YEARS old and will graduate with the Taos High School Class of 2021. She was born and raised in Taos.

She loves swimming, reading, photography and going to church. When she was 5 years old, she was diagnosed with uveitis and later went blind. As she learned how to read and write in Braille, she grew up to have sight in her right eye. She had the opportunity to teach Braille to several children around the state while attending summer camps where she is learning the ways of the blind and visually impaired community. Kimberly is also actively involved with St. Michaels Youth Group and a newest member of the Guadalupanas.

She is part of the student council, swim team, band color guard, photography club and proud Tigers basketball fan. After graduation, she plans to attend New Mexico State University to earn a degree in special education.

She is the daughter of Eric Cortez along with her paternal grandparents, Ernest and Rose Cortez. She is proud to have her great-grandmother, Tranquilina Pacheco of Arroyo Seco, in her life as well. Her wonderful aunt, Yvette Cortez, is like a mother to her. She has many siblings whom she loves dearly. And, like many Taoseños, she has many cousins. Kimberly’s family is very supportive of her, and she is extremely thankful to have them.

Sean Kelly Portraits/Charles McLaughlin