Little Mr. and Miss Aurora winners show their trophies in front of Aurora City Seal and following the announcement of their naming at the Aurora City Council Tuesday. Each was selected from among five finalists. Little Mr. Aurora, left, is Peter Schmidt, 10, Freeman School in Aurora. Right is Romina Esparza, 8, McCleery School in Aurora. Each of the 10 contestants submitted a one-minute video to explain reasons to be selected. The 10 judges ranked the videos in: Confidence and articulation, authenticity, best use of one minute, and wow or awww factor. The judges knew only names and ages. The new Little Mr. and Miss Aurora succeeded Benjamin Mendoza and Alaria Selmon. The other finalists, boys: Rayyan Aslam, 5, The Wheatlands; James Howard, 11, Greenman; Kayden Turner, 7, Fearn; Elija Velez, 9, Hermes; girls, Zara Aslam, 5, The Wheatlands; Miriam Howard, 9, Greenman; Giuliana Kluber, 7, Hill; Malloy Hayden, 9, Dunham STEM. The Aslams are twins. There were nearly 50 submissions for the contest. Each will serve one year for City government ceremonies and functions. The first duties will be at the Winter Lights Friday, Nov. 22. A video of the event can be viewed below. Jason Crane/The Voice
Little Mr. and Miss Aurora finalists show their plaques at the Aurora City Council Tuesday. The 10 judges ranked the videos and knew only names and ages. The new Little Mr. and Miss Aurora, Peter Scmidt, 10, and Romina Esparza, 8, succeeded Benjamin Mendoza and Alaria Selmon. Zara Aslam, 5, lower left, and her twin brother, Rayyan, stand without their certificates visible. Jason Crane/The Voice
