Local girls shine at Princess Promenade

Photo by John Larson

TV TUNES. The princesses entertained the audience with a medley of television show theme songs.

The Daffodil Princesses participated in their first official function, the Princess Promenade, before a crowd of several hundred people Feb. 22.

The young ladies were selected in competitions at their respective high schools last fall. The function, held at Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, is the first of many events they will participate in during the next several months. This year’s theme is “75 Years: Remember Your First Daffodil Parade.”

The princesses entered a large meeting room one by one, escorted by representatives of the festival known as Daffodilians.

Next was the presentation of colors by the color guard, this year done by military veterans from Puyallup Tribe.

Each girl went on stage where they were crowned with a tiara and had a Golden Daffodil pendant placed around their neck. Then Ron Simchen, president of the board of the Daffodil Festival, performed the tapping ceremony. He lightly tapped the girls on each shoulder while reciting a short statement.

The festival provides funding for college scholarships for the princesses. Brad Stevens, who served as master of ceremonies, said Puyallup Tribe of Indians and its Emerald Queen Casino is matching the funds the festival provides.

A total of 23 girls participated in the event, five of them representing Tacoma high schools.

Alexandria Batdorf, a student at Foss High School, is the daughter of Casandra Batdorf. She holds a 3.6 grade point average (GPA). At school she participates in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, musical theater and cheerleading. She plans to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. to earn a degree in psychiatry. She aspires to own a business in the future.

Batdorf selected Ricky Yates for educator of the year at her school.

Justine Gray represents Stadium High School. She is the daughter of Gerry and Michelle Gray. She has a 3.78 GPA, is enrolled in advanced placement and honors classes, is senior class president and dance captain of varsity cheer. She plans to attend college to pursue a degree in communications or business.

She selected Mary Barr as educator of the year.

Jasrael Stokes of Lincoln High School is the daughter of Kenneth and Starlla Stokes. She has a 3.9 GPA, is captain of the cheerleading squad, is a member of Key Club, is active in student government and works for the school newspaper. She plans to attend Western Washington University to major in art and creative writing, and wants to pursue a career as an art director after college.

Stokes picked Aaron Nyland as educator of the year.

Amber Perez of Mount Tahoma High School is the daughter of Lorenzo and Santa Martha Perez. She holds a 3.84 GPA, is on the honor roll, is involved in student government, has been recognized for academics by a local Rotary Club and is active in her church youth group. Perez wants to attend an Ivy League college and major in political science and foreign relations. She hopes to enter politics and serve as a missionary.

She selected DeLynn Hobart as educator of the year.

Courtney Price of Wilson High School is the daughter of Joseph and Joanne Price. She holds a 3.56 GPA, is on the honor roll, works on the yearbook staff, is in show choir and ballet. Price plans to attend college to major in broadcast communications and minor in dance.

She selected Kristen Orlando as educator of the year.

All of the girls gathered on stage to entertain the audience. They did choreographed pieces, complete with props, while singing theme songs from television shows such as “Laverne & Shirley” and “Three’s Company.”

The Daffodil Queen will be selected March 14. For information on the coronation ceremony, the Grand Floral Parade and other events, visit http://www.daffodilfestival.net.

Commenting rules