February 26, 2009By ROB SIEBERT
"Most teenage girls can only fantasize of having a pop star accompany them to a school dance. On Saturday, that fantasy became a reality for 15-year-old Staley Sharples of Hinsdale. Sharples was accompanied to Hinsdale Central High School's annual turnabout dance by Carlos Olivero, a member of the all-Latino boy band Menudo.Originally from the North Side of Chicago, the 19-year-old Olivero rose to stardom in 2007 on the MTV reality show "Making Menudo." He was one of five young Latinos chosen to be in the newest incarnation of the band, whose past members include singing star Ricky Martin.Having missed his prom due to TV commitments, Olivero saw the night as a chance to make up for a lost opportunity."I figured this could be the prom I missed out on," Olivero said.Following their run on TV, Sharples became a dedicated Menudo fan. She went to several of the group's concerts, and in one instance even received an e-mail from Olivero.Sharples grew to appreciate the band because of its likability, as well as its music."Not many people are open to the idea that there can be boy bands out there that are cool, and just the guys you can meet at any high school," Sharples said.But in the days leading up to Hinsdale Central's spring Turnabout dance, Sharples took a chance she was almost certain would not pay off.Knowing Olivero was from Chicago, she sent an e-mail to his mother Hilda (who is also his agent) asking about the possibility of him attending the dance with her, in an attempt to branch out and meet some of his fans in person.To her complete and utter shock, Olivero accepted her invitation."I got up and I was screaming," Sharples said of the moment she learned he'd be coming.Though she had never been to a formal dance before, Sharples got the full treatment Saturday. Clad in a black dress and corsage, she and Olivero rode to the dance in a limousine.Once there, it was evident Sharples wasn't the only Menudo fan at Hinsdale Central. Olivero said that as they made their way inside, they were surrounded by screaming girls.Still, he kept his priorities straight."Staley was my date," Olivero said. "So I made sure all my focus was on her."Though Sharples is for the most part a shy, reserved girl, Olivero said as the night progressed he gradually saw that shyness melt away, which allowed her to truly shine."Staley was the superstar that night," Olivero said. "She was looking beautiful."That night Sharples shared her first slow dance with Olivero. The song, "Crush" by David Archuleta, will forever have a new meaning for her, she said.Though Olivero had to leave the dance early due to another commitment, he left one fan with a memory that will last a lifetime, and an important lesson learned."You never know unless you try," Sharples said."
