Schools
Lakewood's Royal Duo Will Compete Tonight to be 2012 Daffodil Queen
Madison Newberry of Lakes and Cinthia Vazquez of Clover Park are among 24 high-school seniors from across Pierce County competing for the title -- and scholarships.
It’s going to be a night fit for a queen.
Madison Newberry of Lakes and Cinthia Vazquez of Clover Park are among the 24 seniors from high schools across Pierce County who will compete to become Daffodil Queen at 7 tonight at Life Center, 1717 South Union Avenue in Tacoma. Tickets are available at the door for $10 and $5 for students and seniors. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
The Daffodil Festival started in 1933 as a tribute to the Puyallup Valley Flower industry and has grown to be one of the largest festivals and parades in the nation. The Daffodil Queen is selected to reign over the many Festival activities throughout the year. She and her court are the festival’s official ambassadors.
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In addition to vying for the title of queen, the 24 candidates will compete for scholarships provided by the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation. They will be judged on academic standing, personality, attitude, speaking ability, appearance, sociability, content of their prepared speech, festival awareness and impromptu speaking.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Don’t Stop Believing,” which each candidate interpreted in their own way in their speech at the school pageants, which were held in the fall.
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Vazquez, an aspiring immigration lawyer who will attend Whitworth University in the fall, said that she was not expecting to hear her name called as Clover Park’s winner.
“I could not believe it,” she said after winning. “Sometimes, I still can’t. This journey seems unreal.”
Newberry, who plans to attend a four-year university and study pre-med, also said that her win came as a surprise, because she does not consider herself a “typical princess.”
“It feels absolutely amazing,” she said shortly after being crowned as Lakes’ princess. “I just pray I represent Lakes for what it truly deserves – which is a lot.”
The annual festival will culminate in the 79th annual Daffodil Parade. The Grand Floral Street Parade will travel through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting on April 14. The contingent features 40 floats and more than 80 other entries including bands and mounted units. And, of course, thousands of daffodils will decorate the floats.
Good luck to Madison and Cinthia! We’re rooting for you!