Summer is officially coming to a close! And this year, it's been quite a memorable one. Between the London Olympics, the pressure of a looming election and all of the typical Hollywood drama, there has been a lot of to keep up on this summer–and some of our favorite Latino stars have been at the forefront of all of the action.
So before diving headfirst into fall, take a look back at 10 of the biggest Latino moments of the summer and tell us which you think is the most meaningful below:
President Obama grants a DREAM
In June, the White House shocked the world when President Obama announced they would stop deporting undocumented children using prosecutorial discretion. The program started last week and since then hundreds of DREAMers have been llining up outside their respective consulates in hopes of getting their deportation reprieve.
Ryan Lochte makes world fall in love
If the London Olympics created one mega superstar this year, it was, without question, Ryan Lochte. In the matter of weeks, the swimmer–and his over-the-top sense of style–have practically become a cultural phenomenon. Not that we mind–after all, he's half-Cuban and he's HOT!
Jennifer Lopez tops Forbes Celebrity 100 List
After a stellar year, Forbes named Lopez number one on their Celebrity 100 list! The list ranks the most powerful people in entertainment and Lopez beat out all of the other amazing artists and entrepreneurs this year, including Oprah, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. HUGE news!
Marlen Esparza becomes breakout star
The 23-year-old Latina made history first by becoming the first ever U.S. female boxer to even qualify for the Olympics and then breaking a second record, by becoming the first U.S. woman to ever win an Olympic boxing match! And she won't disappear just because the Games are over–she's creating a fashion and beauty line and is a spokesperson for CoverGirl.
Latinas faced "reality"
Latinas DOMINATED the reality show world on the small screen. This summer alone, Demi Lovato (X-Factor), Mariah Carey (American Idol), and Gloria Estefan (The Next) were all made mentors on various talent competitions.
Latinos ruled summer blockbusters!
Latino stars also ruled the big screen this season! Adam Rodriguez appeared (shirtless) in this season's much buzzed-about flick, Magic Mike. Meanwhile, Diego Boneta, Noomi Rapace, and Salma Hayek (among others) also made headlines for their starring roles in the Rock of Ages, Prometheus, and Savages.
Latina with down syndrome becomes a model!
Spanish designer Dolores Cortés named an adorable little Latina girl with Down syndrome as the face of an entire swimwear campaign! Ten-month-old Valentina Guerrero will star in Cortés' 2013 DC Kids ads, as well as appear on the cover of Cortés' U.S. catalog, making her the first person with Down syndrome in history to be the main model of a campaign from a prestigious fashion designer.
Sofia Vergara earns big $$
With an estimated earning of $19 million, Vergara was named number one on Forbes list of the highest paid TV actresses in 2012!
Iconic Lupe Ontiveros dies
The entertainment world, and paritcularly the Latino community, mourned the loss of legendary Mexican actress, Lupe Ontiveros, after she passed away from liver cancer.
Latino voters decide the future
Latino voters are definitely having a major moment in these months leading up to the November election. Both candidates, Mitt Romney and President Obama, are campaigning hard to win over the Latino vote and put them over the top for the presidency.
