Queen's Coronation
Graham Kapowsin High School
Saturday, March 15th 2025
Welcome to the Daffodil Festival Queen’s Coronation!
As the vibrant blooms of spring envelop our community, we warmly welcome you to the Coronation Ceremony of the Daffodil Festival, marking a spectacular highlight the selection of our 88th Daffodil Queen. Under the transformative theme "Growing Locally," today we gather to honor the remarkable journey of 23 princesses, each vying for the esteemed Crown and Title of Daffodil Queen.
At the heart of Pierce County, the Daffodil Festival is more than a celebration of spring's beauty; it is a testament to tradition, unity, and the exemplary leadership that thrives within our community. The princesses, representing the diversity and strength of our community, shine brightly with qualities of leadership, service, and ambition.
Regardless of the title bestowed tonight, each princess is a testament to the vibrant future and the enduring spirit of the Daffodil Festival.
Tonight's Coronation Ceremony transcends the notion of competition, standing as a tribute to the brilliance and dedication of all our princesses. Their commitment to our community and their individual journeys of growth and leadership illuminate the true essence of what it means to shine.
As we come together to witness the crowning of the Daffodil Queen, let us also celebrate the collective achievements, resilience, and potential of all our young leaders. This ceremony is a moment of unity, reflection, and anticipation for the bright futures that await each participant.
We are delighted to have you with us to share in this momentous occasion. Your presence underscores the sense of community and support that defines the Daffodil Festival and fuels the aspirations of our princesses.
May tonight inspire us all as we embrace the leadership, beauty, and spirit of cooperation that the Festival and its participants represent. Here's to a memorable celebration of the growth of every individual who contributes to making our community a place of hope, renewal, and unity.
With warmest regards,
The 2025 Daffodil Festival Board
Queen's Coronation
Order of Events
Welcome
Presentation of Colors
National Anthem
Land Acknowledgement
"We acknowledge that we are on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup Tribe. The Puyallup people have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time, and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgment is one small step toward true allyship and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond."
Introduction & Remarks
Entrance of 2024 Daffodil Queen Alejandra
Escorted by the Festival Past President Madison Riddle & the Queen's Official Guard: the Clan Gordon Pipe Band
Speech by Daffodil President Marin Sasaki-Boyce
Introduction of the 2025 Daffodil Court
One Minute Speech & Impromptu Questions
Partner & Sponsor Acknowledgements
Royal Court Song & Dance Performance (INTERMISSION)
Introductions of Judges
Miss Congeniality Announcement with Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates
Farewell Message from 2024 Queen Alejandra
Announcement of Queen with Crowning & Tapping Ceremony
Presentation of the 2025 Daffodil Queen
Final Announcements Dismissal
Thank You to our Festival Sponsors
Sound Credit Union - Western Self Storage
Festival Partners
Coronation Partners
Washington State Fair Foundation - The Daffodil Scholarship Foundation - Tacoma Yacht Club
Graham Kapowsin High School (Venue): Kim Dickerson
Kerry Yanasak (Pianist) - Clan Gordon Pipe Band (Queen's Guard)
Knutson Farms (Daffodils) - Jeff Ritter (Photography/Videography)
Royalty Partners
Big Johns Trophy (Nametags) - Harbor Dance (Choreography) - Kathyanne Christine (Vocal Coach)
Carrie Swanlund (Capes) - All Color (Embroidery)
Mary Ouellette (Sashes & Necklaces) - Enchanted Bridal (Royalty Seamstress) - Absher Construction
Community Partners
Pierce County Library System - Pierce County Mustang Club - Sound Transit - Tacoma Public Libraries City of Puyallup, City of Tacoma, City of Sumner, & City of Orting - Mike Kelley
Ron the Web Guy (Web Hosting) - LeMaster Graphics (Stickers) - Morgan Jasmine Design (Web & Graphic Design)
2025 Sponsor a Princess Community Donors
Jodie Abinoja
Morgan Bernardi (Morgan Jasmine Design)
Jennifer
Michelle Bodenheimer
Joi
Megan
Amber Budzynski (BUD FAM CO.)
Megan Campbell
Jeremy Chappell (Next Level Contracting LLC) Valerie Chittick
Patricia Daum (Author)
(Western
Charlene Kosche
Jonathan
Sophia Loucks (Ideally Indigenous)
Eleanore Loucks
Jana Underwood
Shirley Unruh
Amy Utecht
Cynthia Vandi
Lorretta Vandi
Anne VanLierop (VanLierop Garden Market)
Janice VanRavenswaay
Katherine Walker
Tonya Walters
Willow Warren
Emily Wood
Demetria Zuniga
2025 Daffodil Festival Board of Directors
Executive Board
Marin Sasaki-Boyce, President
Bob & Anitra Sudderth, Presidents-Elect
Madison Riddle, Immediate Past President
Nina Voigt, Secretary
Michelle Hewitt & Susan Dellinger, Co-Treasurers
Katelynn Gulley, Communications
Meghan LaLiberte, Events
Tim & Judy Smith, Co-Float Operations
Katie Bell, Membership
Scott Dellinger & Bob Sudderth, Parade
Shannon Powell, Traveling Parades
Lisa Gimmestad, Royalty
Members at Large:
Morgan Bernardi, Ernie Oullette, & Demetria Zuniga
Thank you to all who contribute time, financial support, and resources to the Daffodil Festival.
Daffodil Royal Court Scholarships
Daffodil Queen's Scholarship: $6,000
$5,000 from the Washington State Fair Foundation Scholarship Committee
$1,000 from the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation
Daffodil Princess Scholarship: $1,000 to the remaining Princesses from the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation and our generous donors.
The Daffodil Scholarship Foundation was founded in memory of Garvie Fink, Jack Richardson, and Lee Merrill.
Miss Congeniality Scholarship: $1,500 from the Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates
The Daffodil Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization www.daffodilscholarship.org/donate
Queen's Coronation Pianist
Kerry Yanasak
Kerry Yanasak is the Daffodil Festival's "Official Coronation Pianist", and currently the Executive Director of The Puyallup Main Street Association.
Today you can hear Kerry playing regularly at “The Bellevue Collection” in Bellevue, WA or playing Sundays in his church, weddings, funerals, hotel lobbies, outdoor garden shows, The Puyallup Fair, Concerts In The Park, Christmas parties... but most importantly, Kerry's played for the Daffodil Festival Queen's Coronation for majority of the past three decades.
Born and raised in Orting, Kerry's lived in his Puyallup home for close to 40 years, with three kids and grandchildren who also live nearby in Puyallup.
Special Thanks
School Daffodil Selection Coordinators
Alexandria Brechbiel - Bethel
Kelli Nichols - Bonney Lake
Jayla Ferguson- Chief Leschi
Courtney Erker - Clover Park
Sarah Martin - Curtis
Chloe Bailey - Eatonville
Cassidy Kennedy & Patti McMullan - Emerald Ridge
Jessica DeBoer - Fife
Brenda Klein / Courtney Farver - Foss
Chris Fuller - Graham Kapowsin
Erika Cox - Harrison Prep
Deb Yearsley - Lakes
Athena Sok - Lincoln
Angela Phillips - Mt. Tahoma
Carly White - Orting
Madilyn Graversen - Puyallup
Allison Martin - Rogers
Jamie Hall - Silas
Jen Bonner - Spanaway Lake
Savannah Fry - Stadium
Jessica Blakeslee - Sumner
Anne Plutko - Washington
Sydney Vanderhorst - White River
Congratulations and Farewell to the 2024 Daffodil Festival Royal Court
Decades of Daffodils...
2005
2015 Shine Your Light with Service
President: Debbie Cooley-Barbara
Queen: Ashley Becker (Bonney Lake)
Congeniality: Victoria Tirado (Clover Park)
Milestone: First Bonney Lake Queen
Dreams Come Alive in 2005
President: Susan McGuire
Queen: Jessica DeWitt (Mount Tahoma)
Congeniality: Kellie Thompson (Rogers)
1985 Spring & Alive in '85
President: Andrew P. Bergman
Queen: Jaymee Marty (Clover Park)
Congeniality: Karen Hansen (Foss)
Milestone: First Clover Park Queen
1995 Fields of Dreams
President: Jenny Pasco
Queen: Cynthia Gee (Foss)
Congeniality: Shianne Saylor (Bethel)
Milestone: First Queen from Foss
1975 Remember When
President: R. Howell Snowden
Queen: Wendy Van Noy (Franklin Pierce)
Congeniality: Lynn Goodlake (Mount Tahoma)
1955 Golden Future
President: Otto C. Reise
Queen: Elvera Sommer (Puyallup)
1965 Masterpieces
President: Max H. Bice
Queen: Kay Bryson (Sumner)
Milestone: Creation of the Daffodilians
This was the first year the Queen was chosen from an open field of contestants versus alternating Sumner and Puyallup.
1945 No Parade due to WWII
President: Emmitt J. Krefting
The Red Cross delivered over 50,000 daffodils to local hospitals and military facilities treating service members. The Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, Inc. provided all the flowers by contacting bulb growers throughout the valley.
1935 President: Lee P. Merrill Queen: Margaret Thomas (Sumner)
A Queen's Legacy...
1934 Elizabeth Lee Wotten | Puyallup
1935 Margaret Thomas | Sumner
1936 Helen Edgerton | Puyallup
1937 Dorthy Lyoa | Sumner
1938 Bliss Lundrigan | Puyallup
1939 Bette Lee | Sumner
1940 Marge Roscoe | Puyallup
1941 Pauline Martin | Sumner
1942 Shirley Neiman | Puyallup
1946 Gloria Dinwiddle | Sumner
1947 Joan Eidson | Puyallup
1948 Doreen Moody | Sumner
1949 Mary Jean Grooper | Puyallup
1950 Nancy Davis | Sumner
1951 Elaine Chipps | Puyallup
1952 Eva Beattie | Sumner
1953 Joan Marie Dennis | Puyallup
1954 Mary Carlile | Sumner
1955 Elvera Sommer | Puyallup
1956 Margaret Strachan | Stadium
1957 Janice Methven | Lincoln
1958 Gretchen Brockhoff | Stadium
1959 Carol Mills | Franklin Pierce
1960 Diane Harkness | Lincoln
1961 Carmel Mackin | Puyallup
1962 Sharon Silvernail | Orting
1963 Gail Belknap | Mount Tahoma
1964 Karen Goettling | Puyallup
1965 Kay Bryson | Sumner
1966 Susan Bona | Wilson
1967 Carol Parcheta | Franklin Pierce
1968 Cheryl Lamka | Stadium
1969 Lina Michael | Puyallup
1970 Shelly Grobey | Mount Tahoma
1971 Jean Fink | Lakes
1972 Paula Achziger | Wilson
1973 Sherri Murray | Fife
1974 Lori Webber | Wilson
1975 Wendy Van Noy | Franklin Pierce
1976 Renee Hopp | Rogers
1977 Carol Glenn | Bethel
1978 Janice Ash | Wilson
1979 Paula Nelson | Curtis
1980 Robin Asbjorsen | Puyallup
1981 Cynthia Kovalenko | Sumner
1982 Sandy Furtaw | Bethel
1983 Jeanene Dryer | Bethel
1984 Jeanette Hopkins | Gig Harbor
1985 Jaymee Marty | Clover Park
1986 Kristin Macrander | Lakes
1987 Deborah Harlan | Puyallup
1988 Heidi Johnson | Curtis
1989 Lea Snider | Puyallup
1990 Kelly Parkhurst | Fife
1991 Ensung Kelly Nah | Wilson
1992 Brandi Rector | Orting
1993 Erin Haynie | Rogers
1994 Julie Frye | Rogers
1995 Cynthia Gee | Foss
1996 Hillary Faulk | Sumner
1997 Jennifer Brown | Sumner
1998 Allison Porter | Curtis
1999 Jeanna Little | Sumner
2000 Tiye Smith | Foss
2001 Tara Faw | Orting
2002 Katrina Woldseth | Franklin Pierce
2003 Angie Voiles | Sumner
2004 Romelynn Eleno | Lakes
2005 Jessica DeWitt | Mount Tahoma
2006 Mollie Ruiz | Curtis
2007 Michelle Wood | Sumner
2008 Olivia Anderson | Cascade Christian
2009 Melanie Stambaugh | Emerald Ridge
2010 Annie Jeong | Stadium
2011 Claire Flemming | Curtis
2012 Sarah Karamoko | Foss
2013 McKenna Erhardt | Rogers
2014 Marissa Modestowicz | Emerald Ridge
2015 Ashley Becker | Bonney Lake
2016 Emily Oliver | Spanaway Lake
2017 Marin Sasaki | Orting
2018 Allie Brooks | Lincoln
2019 Katie Gilbert | White River
2021 Katie Rose Ableggan | Puyallup
2022 Clara Blakeslee | Curtis
2023 Vivian Llorens Hernandez | Lakes
2024 Alejandra Gonzalez | Puyallup
A Queen's Farewell
Serving as your Daffodil Queen for the 2023-2024 court has been an incredible honor. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of standing alongside 22 remarkable young women, representing our community with pride, joy, and dedication. This journey has been nothing short of transformative, and I am forever grateful for the memories we’ve created together.
To my parents and family, thank you for your unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement. From the moment I first encountered a Daffodil Princess as a sophomore, you have been my biggest cheerleaders, helping me develop into the leader I am today. To the Daffodilians, thank you for your dedication, patience, and endless support—you have cared for us like family, shaping us into the court we became.
To my fellow princesses, my sisters, my garden of daffodils— you have been my greatest joy. From our late-night conversations to spontaneous adventures, I cherish every laugh, dance, and shared dream. You have shown me that true friendship knows no bounds, and I am grateful to be forever tied to each of you.
To the 2025 Royal Court: embrace every moment. Whether or not you wear the queen’s crown, you are a Daffodil Princess first. Carry yourselves with pride, grace, and authenticity—your community sees you for who you truly are, and that is enough. A queen is nothing without her court, just as a flower cannot grow without the sun.
As I sign off as the last of the 2023-2024 court, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and love. Thank you for an unforgettable year.
Queen Alejandra Gonzalez
The Queen's Regalia
The crown was made in the 1950s by Gunderson Jewelers of Tacoma, a premier jeweler at the time. It was paid for and donated by the Gyro Club of Tacoma. If you look in the center, you can see a tiny "propeller" as homage to the donor.
Queen Margaret Strachan, 1956, was the first queen to wear the crown. She wore it for all events and reported it was extremely heavy, leading to terrible headaches. Today, the crown is only worn at Coronation and for formal Portraits. Names of the past queens are engraved on the inner band, but the available room ran out long ago!
The cape was created by Aik Kawabata in the 1960's. Aik's daughter was a Daffodil Princess in 1968 (Fife's Princess Gwen), the first member of the Royal Court who was a Person of Color. She had to get special permission to attend the Elks Club for an event. After Gwen's reign as princess, Aik and husband, Yosh, Kawabata became Daffodilians.
Aik was renowned for her sewing skills and the Daffodil Festival was incredibly lucky to have her.
Many of our recent royalty photos are courtesy of Jeff Ritter, Hana Hong, and Steve James, while historic photos are sourced from The Daffodil Festival and Tacoma Public Library Historical Archives. (Left: 2024 Queen Alejandra (Puyallup) by Jeff Ritter, Above: The Queen's Crown captured by Hana Hong, Right: 1964 Queen Karen (color partially corrected) in a cape predating the one made by Aik but with the same scepter we see today, Below: 2024 Daffodil Festival Queen Alejandra of Puyallup sharing excitement after Coronation.
Special thanks to Daffodil Festival Historian Kelly Hewitt (Lakes 2010) for researching, gathering, and maintaining digital archives of Daffodil Festival historical images and factoids for future generations to enjoy.
2025 Daffodil Festival
Festival Royal Court
Harmony Jones
Silas High School
Harmony advocates for the performing arts, inspiring youth through music. She has performed in school musicals, sings with Scintillation Show Choir, and volunteers as a character for Magic in the Pacific Northwest. She also mentors young performers at Show Choir Bootcamp, Mini Ram Cheer Camp, and a local elementary school. As varsity cheer captain, senior class vice president, and Drama and Choir Club president, Harmony leads with dedication. A Running Start student, she is earning an associate degree in music education and vocal performance while maintaining honor roll status. Passionate about mental health awareness, she hopes to empower youth with emotional regulation tools and support. Harmony plans to attend the University of Washington to study Music Education, inspiring students through music.
Paula Bervis
Foss High School
At Foss High School, Princess Candidate Paula has been an active member of the Air Force JROTC program since her junior year, demonstrating leadership and dedication. She is an International Baccalaureate (IB) student, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while balancing her academic and extracurricular commitments. Outside of school, Paula is deeply involved in her church community, where she helps organize Vacation Bible School and provides childcare for families. She also gives back by volunteering with Coach-Pitch programs at local elementary schools, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among young students. Paula loves her family and spends a lot of her time caring and having fun with her siblings. With her outgoing personality, she embraces new experiences and enjoys stepping outside her comfort zone. Paula plans to enlist in the United States Air Force.
Clara Chappell
Graham Kapowsin High School
Princess Clara has been an active member of the volleyball and track teams, and serves as an activity coordinator in audition choirs at Graham Kapowsin. She is a dedicated 4H member and was named Royal Ambassador for the Pierce County Fair in 2024. Princess Clara has excelled academically, taking advanced placement classes and earning a place on the Dean’s List at Pierce College. She has shown exceptional leadership and community service, notably through her families involvement in organizing the Bethel Community Daffodil float for three years, winning multiple awards. Princess Clara plans to attend Brigham Young University in Idaho and is committed to furthering her education and service efforts.
Brooke Musial
Bonney Lake High School
Princess Brooke has been a member of her high school volleyball team for three years and has participated in the bowling team since its establishment in 2023. She is also involved in the Chamber Choir and several clubs, including the National Honor Society, Speak Up, and the Choir. Outside of school, she has been a dedicated member of Girl Scouts for 13 years, developing leadership skills and a strong commitment to community service.Brooke has taken numerous AP classes and has consistently maintained her place on the honor roll throughout her high school career, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and hopes to use her future career to support and uplift those in need. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university to study biology with a pre-medicine focus, aspiring to become a psychiatrist.
Courtney Bowles
Rogers High School
From Rogers High school, Courtney has a 3.9 GPA, and has taken AP classes in English and math, she is a member of the American Sign language Honors Society and earned the Laurent Clerc Medal, she serves as a per tutor for the ASL class and has volunteered for the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services. Courtney also has a varsity letter in Choir and Drama, and has attended an early morning seminary institute for 4 consecutive years. Outside of school Courtney has been a summer camp counselor for a camp for young girls for 3 years, and served the president of her church's girls youth group for 3 years as well. Courtney is a member of the Tacoma Youth Symphony and the South Sound Strings Harp Ensemble. Courtney will be attending Southern Virginia University to study Dramatic theatrical arts and stagecraft with hopes of becoming a filmmaker.
Isabella Simpson
Fife High School
At Fife High School, Princess Bella is a varsity golf member and the senior captain of her team, leading with dedication and sportsmanship. She enjoys being active in her community, from volunteering with Metro Parks to competing in the 2022 Women's Amateur at Chambers Bay, showcasing her passion for golf. Beyond sports, Isabella balances academics and work, holding part-time positions at the Tacoma Yacht Club and as a barista at Starbucks, where she hones her customer service and leadership skills. She values hard work and enjoys connecting with people through her roles. In her free time, Isabella loves exploring the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and giving back to her community. In the fall, she will attend Tacoma Community College to earn her associate's degree in Psychology, with aspirations to further her education and make a positive impact in the mental health field.
Eryn
McAvoy
Spanaway Lake High School Lakes High School
From a young age, Eryn has always been passionate about becoming a doctor. At Lakes high school, she has maintained above a 3.7 GPA, consistently performing well in the running start program at pierce college. As an active cadet in the Lakes JROTC battalion, Eryn has shown exceptional leadership, serving as Bravo Company Commander and captain of the marksmanship team. She works a part time job at Starbucks and loves building connections as she hopes to do so in this journey of becoming a daffodil princess and Pierce county ambassador. Eryn has dedicated every other Friday to volunteering at the Word of Life Church food bank, working with a team to support the community while sharing her faith. In her free time she loves to go skiing, fishing, and to eat. She plans to attend a 4 year university to become a medical radiologist.
Marcia Thaxton
At Spanaway Lake, Princess Marcia is an active and engaged student, deeply involved in both academics and community service. She is a proud member of multiple clubs, including HOSA and FCCLA, where Princess Marcia participates in volunteer work to give back to the community. Additionally, Princess Marcia is part of the National Honor Society, reflecting her dedication to excellence. Beyond her school involvement, Princess Marcia is pursuing her Nursing Assistant Certification at the Pierce County Skills Center, where she serves as an ASB representative. In her free time, Princess Marcia enjoys nature walks, music, crocheting, photography, and spending time with loved ones. Looking ahead, Princess Marcia plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University next fall to pursue a nursing degree, continuing her passion for healthcare and service.
Addisson Vandi
Bethel High School
At Bethel High School, Addisson is a part of the cambridge program, a set of highly rigorous academic courses throughout all four years of high school. She is the Squadron commander of her AFJROTC program, a member of National Honors Society, and was a class officer. She was on her schools soccer and swim team, and currently plays for a select soccer team, having served as their team captain for 7 consecutive years. She is also the team commander for her AFJROTC Marksmanship program. Outside of school, princess Addisson enjoys giving back to her community in any way she can, serving on the youth advisory board for HearMeWAa youth hotline for the state of Washingtonduring 2024. In the fall, she will be attending the United States Air Force Academy, to study behavior sciences.
Gisselle Corioso
Washington High School
At Washington High School, Princess Gisselle is the lead tenor as a member of Varsity Drumline, a commuter cadet in JROTC, and a proud member of the Pacific Islander Club. She is passionate about her four-year biomedical course and is hoping to present it to the school board for her end-of-year project, showcasing her dedication to the medical field. Outside of school, Princess Gisselle is a proud drummer in her Chamorro dance group, “Bailadora,” where she stays connected to her culture and community. She also enjoys mentoring younger students and sharing her love for music and dance.In the fall, she plans to attend Saint Martin’s University to major in nursing, aspiring to make a difference in healthcare. Gisselle’s favorite thing about Pierce County is its diversity.
Brooke VanRavenswaay
Curtis High School
Princess Brooke is a violin section leader in the Philharmonic Orchestra, an athlete who has dedicated all four years to Cross Country and Track, a founding member of the Girls and Women in Sports Club, and both the Social Media Manager and Academics Editor for the Valhalla Yearbook, as well as an AP Student. Outside of school, she is learning practical skills for her future in Architecture with the ACE Mentorship Program, and awarded the chance to attend their summer camp at the University of Colorado, Denver in 2024. Additionally, she is both a volunteer Student Mentor and Violinist with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, even performing at the Washington State launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Princess Brooke plans to attend a four-year university to study Architecture with a double major or minor in Music Performance.
Claire Holm
White River High School
At White River, Princess Claire is a dedicated student and leader, actively involved in the National Honor Society and serving as the captain of the Powerlifting Club. This is her third year as captain, and she hopes to take home another medal from the state competition. Outside of school, Princess Claire works at The Carlson Block. She is passionate about education and mentorship, often helping peers with academics and encouraging others to pursue their goals. In the fall, Princess Claire will attend Pacific Lutheran University to earn her Master’s in Education, with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher. She hopes to inspire students through literature and foster a love for learning. Her favorite part of Pierce County is its incredible sense of community, and she looks forward to giving back by shaping the next generation of learners.
Samiksha Singh
Stadium High School
Princess Samiksha is a lifelong learner and community lover, proud to represent the Stadium High School castle this year. As CoPresident of the Middle Eastern and South Asian Culture Club at Stadium, she aspires to make her community a more welcoming place for all, fostering understanding and celebrating diversity. Samiksha also enjoys challenging herself academically as a Running Start student, while making connections and building relationships beyond the academic world. She values the opportunity to engage in leadership roles that allow her to create positive change within her school. She plans to attend a fouryear university to study Electrical Engineering, driven by her passion for innovation and problem-solving. Princess Samiksha’s favorite thing about Pierce County is how unique and lovely the people are.
Lailah Loucks
Chief Leschi Schools
At Chief Leschi, Princess Lailah is a member of Chief Leschi’s ASB Council, serving as the Treasurer. Lailah is also a high-performing student-athlete, holding a 3.9 GPA while participating in volleyball and fastpitch softball throughout her high school career. She is a dedicated member of Chief Leschi School’s drum and dance program, where she is a lead dancer and mentor for the youth. Outside of school, Princess Lailah has a small business with her family, where they create and sell handmade Native jewelry and art, sharing their heritage through craftsmanship. She takes great pride in her culture and enjoys using art as a way to connect with others. She plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she plans to study Art History and Anthropology. Lailah’s favorite thing about Pierce County is how welcoming and community-oriented it is.
Amelia Vahle
At Sumner High School, Princess Amelia is a member of the marching band, jazz band, Asian American Pacific Islander Club, and National Honor Society. She is the treasurer for the Band Leadership Council and a section leader for Drumline. Princess Amelia is also a partial IB student, and her favorite subjects are Chemistry and Spanish. Outside of school, Princess Amelia goes to church when she can, finding comfort and community in her faith. She also loves spending time with friends and family, whether it’s playing board games, watching movies, or simply enjoying good conversations together. In the fall, she plans to attend a fouryear university to study chemistry, aiming to use her passion for science to become a forensic scientist and contribute to solving real-world investigations.
Alexis Peterson
Orting High School Sumner High School
At Orting High School, Princess Alexis has been an active FFA member for 4 years. This year serving as her chapter’s president. Alexis manages and leads different meetings and competitions in FFA, her favorite being F.A.R.M for kids, where they create and lead agricultural lessons for the Kindergarte through 6th grade students in the Orting School District. With FFA, she also raises market hogs to be shown and sold at the Northwest Junior Livestock Show. Outside of school, Princess Alexis spends her time hanging out with friends, riding dirt bikes, or working at her job at Puerto Vallarta restaurant. After she graduates, Alexis plans to attend a trade school to get her welding certifications. Alexis’ favorite thing about Pierce County is how well its traditions and history are upheld and valued.
Jasmine Miles
Lincoln High School
Princess Jasmine is a dedicated, caring and hardworking student who is determined to make changes. Jasmine has played the clarinet as a student leader in Lincoln High Schools’ marching band since her freshman year. This spring Jasmine plans to participate in her third year of fastpitch softball. As someone who cares for her community, Princess Jasmine has earned over 80 hours of community service and looks forward to completing more both in- and outside of events through The Daffodil Festival.
After high school, Jasmine is going to attend a four-year university to study Pre-Medicine. Once she has earned her Bachelor's Degree, Princess Jasmine will continue to graduate from Medical School, aiming to ultimately become an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor.
Yssabella Flowers
Puyallup High School
At Puyallup High School, Princess Izzy is an avid participant in many school and community events. She is involved in several committees and various clubs such as black student union where she has been the president for two consecutive years. She has been an essential contributor to the school's many assemblies and events, some of which include the past two MLK assemblies as well as Puyallup High School's second annual multicultural event. She is honored to have the opportunity to work alongside many of her peers in the effort to enhance their school's community. Outside of school princess Izzy enjoys exploring Pierce County's parks as well as the occasional pickleball game. Izzy plans to attend a fouryear university where she will study electrical and computer engineering.
Mineh Njuguna
Mount Tahoma High School
At Mount Tahoma High School, Princess Mineh takes one college level class and AP classes as well as a foreign language classes. She also works for a nursing home in Gig Harbor during the weekends. Previously, Princess Mineh has participated as a member of the swim club and the college success foundation program. Outside of school, Princess Mineh attends church and finds purose in helping tutor her younger siblings when at home.After graduating, she hopes to attend a four year university in the fall and study something in either science or mathematics. Mineh’s favorite thing about Pierce County is the festivals and fairs they have.
Violet Johnson
Harrison Preparatory School
Violet has dedicated eight years to Taekwondo, earning her 1st-degree black belt, while also excelling in cross-country and participating in public fundraising races. She expanded her athletic involvement by becoming the lead manager for her school’s wrestling team, supporting athletes and overseeing team operations. Her leadership journey began in sixth grade with ASB, leading to her current role as a senior member of the Executive Council. Maintaining a 3.7 GPA, she is part of the National Honor Society and aspires to study neuroscience in medical school. She has been an advocate for youth engagement through four years on the Lakewood Youth Council, where she now serves as vice chair and leads videography and advertising efforts. She is honored to represent Harrison Preparatory in Pierce County’s Daffodil Festival and Parade.
Kennedy Boyd
Emerald Ridge High School
At Emerald Ridge, Princess Kennedy is treasurer of HOSA - a club for students interested in going into the medical field. She is also a member of Emerald Ridge’s Key Club and enjoys helping with their mission of ending youth houselessness. Kennedy also serves as president of the Emerald Ridge High School Senior Class of 2025. Outside of school, Princess Kennedy spends her time reading, babysitting, or with her family. In the fall, she plans on attending a four-year university to study medicine with her ultimate goal of becoming an Obstetrician/ Gynecologist (OBGYN). Kennedy’s favorite thing about Pierce County is all of the green spaces around which are perfect for walking her dog, Oscar.
Cheyanne Price
Eatonville High School
Eatonville High School, Princess Cheyanne is a member of the girls cross country team, as well as the long-distance track team, and has participated in 3 theater productions including Beauty and the Beast, Mean Girls, and the Little Mermaid. Princess Cheyanne is also involved in the Running Start Program through Pierce College and will graduate with her Associates Degree this summer. Outside of school, she dances both ballet and contemporary dance. In the fall, Princess Cheyanne will be attending Western Washington University to study Nutrition, with the hope of one day specializing in eating disorder treatment in young children and teens. Cheyanne’s favorite thing about Pierce County is the closeness within the community and the amazing views of Mount Rainier.
Brenda Ceron
Clover Park High School
Princess Brenda is a highly engaged member of her community at Clover Park High School, wher she excels academically in Advanced Placement (AP) classes while serving as a Senior Class Representative in the Associated Student Body (ASB). Brenda is also a four-year member and two-year captain of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. She is involved in the Drama Club as Treasurer and is a Key Club member. In the fall, Brenda plans to attend the University of Washington-Seattle before transferring to Washington State University's veterinary program. Brenda's favorite thing about Pierce County is how easy it is to build meaningful connections with other people.
2025 Daffodil Festival Important Dates
Princess Promenade
Sunday February 16th
Queen's Coronation
Saturday, March 15th
Grand Floral Parade
Saturday, April 5th
Daffodil Marine Parade
Sunday, April 13th
Junior Daffodil Parade
Saturday, April 26th
Daffodil Princess Tea
Sunday, May 4th
Daffodil Festival Auction
Saturday, July 12th
Spot the Daffodil Festival Traveling Around the PNW
5/10 - Sequim Irrigation Festival
5/17 - Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival
5/31 Portland Starlight Parade
5/31 - Mason County Forest Festival
6/7- UP Duck Days
6/21 - Marysville Strawberry Festival
6/28 - Port Orchard Fathoms of Fun Festival
7/4 - Eatonville 4th of July Parade
7/12 - McLeary Bear Festival
7/19 - Capital Lakefair
7/19 - West Seattle Parade
7/26 - Sea Fair
8/2 - Lake City Parade
8/16 - Milton/Edgewood Parade
9/27 - Autumn Leaf Festival
12/6 - Sumner/Puyallup Santa Parade
For a full list of events, please visit: www.thedaffodilfestival.org/events-calendar
