2024 TOP 10 ROYALTY CANDIDATES
The Top 10 Candidates for the 105th Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Royalty were announced Tuesday, January 09 at the Numerica Performing Arts Center
The Top 10 Candidates will be spending the next month being interviewed by radio and TV stations, touring many local businesses and attending speech, make up, media and etiquette lessons in preparation for the 2023 Royalty Selection Pageant, sponsored by Cashmere Valley Bank on Saturday, February 10 at 7:00pm at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. $31,000 in scholarships will be awarded Pageant night with the Queen receiving a $10,000 scholarship and each Princess receiving $5,000 scholarship. Vying for the 2024 Queen and two Princesses are :
BETSY GOMEZ-AVILES
FROM WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
Betsy Gomez is the daughter of Alberto Gomez and Celina Aviles. Betsy has been involved in the Mariachi program in Wenatchee for 6 years now, and this year she is the Vice President for the mariachi program’s advanced group. Betsy has also been involved in cheerleading at her high school for 3 years now. Betsy is a Running Start student at Wenatchee Valley College, and has a job as a barista at one of our local Starbucks stores. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the violin, going on hikes, working out with her friends, and going to concerts. After graduation, Betsy plans to major in Political Science at the University of Washington.
Betsy’s favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls and her favorite movie is The Princess and the Frog. Her favorite song is Find Your Love by Drake, and her favorite book is The Bible. Betsy is most inspired by her mother, Celina, and her most treasured keepsake is her golden necklace given to her on her baptism day by her godparents.
Betsy’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is to go on hikes around town and eating at local restaurants downtown with her friends and family. Her proudest moment in life was bringing home the 2nd place title in high school mariachis at a national competition in Albuquerque this past July. If Betsy could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Kamala Harris. Betsy feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she is a very outgoing person who has deep love for our valley, and because she would love to bring some diversity to the Apple Blossom Festival.
JENISSA HEPTON
FROM WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
Jenissa is the daughter of Tiffany and Brad Savage and Jeff and Heather Hepton. Leading with enthusiasm and dedication, Jenissa currently serves as the president of the Wenatchee High School ASB. Additionally, she contributes her energy as a member of the volleyball team and holds the esteemed position of captain for the WHS track and field team. Not only is Jenissa active in sports, but she also devotes her time to the well-being of others as a committed member of the Mental Health Committee. As well as a third-year member of the Wenatchee High Honor Society. Her altruistic spirit extends to her community involvement, where she spends Sundays working in her church's nursery and volunteers at the Real Life youth group. In her spare time, Jenissa indulges in her passion for literature, finding solace in reading and expressing herself through poetry. She also loves finding time to grow both mentally and physically at the gym. Looking towards the future, Jenissa has set her sights on Washington State University, where she plans to pursue a major in primary education.
Jenissa's favorite show is "Gilmore Girls," and she counts "10 Things I Hate About You" as her favorite movie. Music holds a special place in her heart, with "Vienna " by Billy Joel being her favorite song, and her favorite book is "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. Jenissa draws inspiration from her sister, Elizabeth, whose influence has shaped her into the individual she is today. Family and friends hold a special place in her heart, and she cherishes the handmade letters and gifts from her loved ones as her most treasured keepsakes.
Jenissa's favorite thing to do in Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is going to the park to read, under a very specific tree at Walla Walla Park. Her proudest moment in life was winning the state championship with her volleyball team and making Wenatchee history. If Jenissa could trade places with anyone for the day, she would trade places with Skylar Walton, a WHS graduate who now holds track and field records at Washington State University. Jenissa feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she is passionate about creating a positive community for all and aspires to be an uplifting face and voice for Wenatchee, as well as a role model for any community member in need of a little Apple Blossom magic.
SAMANTHA DODD
FROM EASTMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Samantha is the daughter of Karen and Greg Dodd. Samantha is the ASB Spirit Coordinator for her high school’s events, co-Vice President of National Honors Society, and involved in many leadership activities with her school’s Senate class. Samantha is a competitive dancer at Fabulous Feet Dance Studio, performs with the Wenatchee Valley Symphony in the Nutcracker every year, and volunteers her after school time at an elementary school. In her spare time, she enjoys watching many genres of movies, baking cookies, and going on adventurous Target runs with her friends. After graduation, Samantha will be attending Washington State University to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.
Samantha’s favorite TV show is The Amazing Race and her favorite movie is Elf. Her favorite song is “Satisfied”, sung by the Hamilton cast and her favorite book is November 9 by Colleen Hoover. She is most inspired by her dad and her most treasured keepsake is her first pair of pointe shoes.
Samantha’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is to explore Pybus Market with her family, and take her two dogs to the many parks along the river. Her proudest moment in life was when she and her dance team won 1st overall and judges choice at nationals in Las Vegas. If Samantha could trade places with anyone for the day, she would trade places with her Golden Retriever Axel. Samantha feels she should represent the Valley and the Apple Blossom festival because she looks forward to being a positive role model for the young people of the Valley, and she wants to share the many beautiful and unique opportunities that the Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival has to offer.
DANIA CUEVAS SANDOVAL
FROM WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
Dania is the daughter of Maria Adriana and Jose Luis Cuevas. Dania is a second year Running Start student who is enrolled full-time, takes pleasure in track and field, involved in Ignite and AVID, as well holds a leadership position as the Vice President of ASWVC (Associated Students of Wenatchee Valley College). In addition to her academic pursuits, Dania actively contributes to community service as the Treasurer for Youth United and works at McDonald's. She enjoys hanging out with friends, watching Netflix series, cleaning, going to the gym, and attending church in her free time. Dania’s plans after graduation is to aspire to pursue further education, driven by her passion for the medical field.
Dania’s favorite tv show is Backstreet Rookie, with her favorite movie being Instructions not Included, and "It will rain" by Bruno Mars is her all time favorite song. A book that she enjoyed reading was Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The person that inspires her the most is her older sister. Her most prized keepsake is birthday cards from friends and loved ones.
Dania’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is experiencing all four seasons, going on night drives around the city, and having picnics in Walla Walla Point Park. Her proudest moment was hitting thirty feet on triple jump during her district meet. If Dania can trade with someone for a day it would be Ellen Ochoa. Dania is driven to showcase the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival by expressing her diversity and profound affection for her hometown.
CATELYN SHEARER
FROM WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
Catelyn is the daughter of Jim and Christy Shearer. She is the Vice President and Tri-M representative for her school’s Chamber Choir, an active member of her school’s mental health committee, and a member of the HyTones quartet. Catelyn has been involved in local theatre productions for nearly 11 years with various organizations and worked as an employee for Leavenworth Summer Theater this past summer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends and pets. After graduation, Catelyn plans to attend a four-year university to study biology on the pre-med track.
Catelyn’s favorite show is Grey’s Anatomy and her favorite movie is Enola Holmes. Her favorite song is “Beautiful” by Carole King, and her favorite book is 1984 by George Orwell. She is most inspired by her mom, and her most treasured keepsake is the baby blanket that hangs in her room.
Her favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is bike around downtown and enjoy the many small businesses and restaurants. Her proudest moment in life was graduating from her school’s Medical Occupations Program. If Catelyn could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Elizabeth Blackwell. Catelyn feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she would love to be a part of the century-long heritage of this festival, is dedicated to helping others, especially young girls, and loves the Apple Blossom Festival and the Valley.
ELLA STIMMEL
FROM EASTMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Ella is the daughter of Taylor and Leah Stimmel. Ella is a running start student, a varsity athlete for Eastmont track and field, and has maintained a dean's list standing every quarter at Wenatchee Valley College. Ella is working to get her real estate license before her 18th birthday and volunteers with her church. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, exercising, baking, singing, and being with family. After graduation, Ella plans to attend BYU and get her degree in business.
Ella’s favorite TV show is Downton Abbey, and her favorite movie is Pearl Harbor. Her favorite song is Lovely Darling by Benson Boone, and her favorite book is Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. She is most inspired by her mother, and her most treasured keepsake is a gold watch she received from her parents on her 17th birthday.
Ella’s favorite things to do in Wenatchee Valley besides Apple Blossom are wake surfing on Lake Eniat, spending time with friends, seeing the beautiful seasons change, and enjoying delicious food through town with her family. Her proudest moment in life was when she started her first business at age 11. If Ella could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with a princess at Disneyland. Ella feels she should represent Wenatchee Valley because she loves her home, community, and our beautiful valley and would cherish the opportunity to bless and inspire more people around her.
LEXIE FENNELL
FROM EASTMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Lexie Fennell is the daughter of Heather and Dave Fennell. Lexie is currently enrolled in Wenatchee Valley College as a full time running start student, she is involved in the Wenatchee Valley College Senate as Student Body President. She is the secretary of the National Honor Society club and president of the Future Business Leaders of America club, as well as involved in Link Crew. Outside of school, Lexie volunteers at Grant Elementary, she also enjoys reading, baking, thrift shopping, and going out on dates with her friends. Lexie loves her job at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club where she has been employed for the last two and a half years. After graduation, Lexie plans to attend Central Washington University where she will be enrolled in their Professional Pilot Program.
Lexie’s Favorite TV show is Friends, and her favorite movie is The Hunger Games. Her favorite song is “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift, and her favorite book is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. She is most inspired by her mom and her most treasured keepsake is a ring given to her by her grandmother.
Lexie’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is boating and tubing with her family on the river, and eating at various restaurants in the Valley. Her proudest moment in life was unexpectedly receiving The President’s Volunteer Service Award. If Lexie could trade places with anyone for a day she would trade places with Taylor Swift. Lexie feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and Apple Blossom because she would be a positive role model for young girls to grow their confidence in their own beauty. Lexie holds the characteristics and passion to show her love of the Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival.
AVA PORTER
FROM WENATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL
Ava is the daughter of Sean Porter and Kristy Allen. Ava is the captain and anchor of the Wenatchee High School bowling team. She is also a section leader in both orchestras at the high school along with being a concertmaster. Ava spends most of her mornings volunteering at Pioneer Middle School and Columbia Elementary with their jazz band and beginner strings respectively. In the evenings, she works as a busser at Atlas Fare. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, bowling, baking, violin, and drawing. After graduation, Ava plans to attend WVC to get her associate's degree, then will move on to UW to pursue astronomy and physics.
Ava’s favorite TV show is Adventure Time and her favorite movie is Step Brothers. Her favorite song is Black by Pearl Jam and her favorite book is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. She is most inspired by Jen Thacker and her most treasured keepsake is Marvely, her husky stuffed animal.
Ava’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is snowboarding up at Mission Ridge with her family. Her proudest moment in life was tying for third at state for bowling with her team and family by her side. If Ava could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Ava feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because of her compassion, love for her community, and to show that you can do anything you set your mind to.
LAUREL PATTERSON
FROM EASTMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Laurel Patterson is the daughter of Carl Patterson and Libby Hickman. Laurel is an honors student, was a competitive dancer for nine years and now competes on her high school’s track and field team, and is learning Cosmetology at the Wenatchee Technical Skills Center. She has worked at Blue Spoon Yogurt for almost two years and babysits for friends and family. In her spare time, Laurel enjoys weightlifting, playing her guitar, and seeing her friends. After graduation, she plans to attend a Costmetology academy.
Laurel’s favorite TV show is Hannah Montana because she grew up watching it with her family, and her favorite movie is The Peanut Butter Falcon. Her favorite song is Tennesee Whiskey by Chris Stapelton and her favorite book is Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. She is most inspired by her mom and her most treasured keepsake is her childhood bible.
Laurel’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is to appreciate the beautiful nature by going on walks, learning how to photograph outdoor scenery from her mom, and gazing at sunsets. Her proudest moment in life was becoming a student leader for her church’s youth group. If Laurel could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with herself when she was in third grade. Laurel feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because her warm personality puts a smile on people’s faces and she feels serving the Apple Blossom Festival would give her the opportunity to fufill her greatest goal in life which is to leave the world a better place than she found it.
ESTY GONZALEZ
FROM EASTMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Esty Gonzalez is the daughter of Juan and Cristina Gonzalez. Esty is a full time student and participates in her school’s Environmental club’s activities. She also assists in taking care of her younger cousins whenever help is needed. In her spare time, she enjoys expressing her artistic side with painting and drawing, along with listening to music and reading on quiet evenings. After graduation, Esty plans to attend an instate four year university, and receive her bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
One of Esty’s favorite shows is Gilmore Girls and her favorite movie is Coraline. Currently, her favorite song is “Mine” by Taylor Swift, and her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. She is most inspired by her mother and her most treasured keepsake is her baby blanket she sleeps with every night.
Esty’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley, besides Apple Blossom, is going to the local Target to purchase any of her necessities and all of her goods. Her proudest moment in life was recently writing and presenting her college essay to her family. If Esty could trade places with anyone for the day, she would trade places with film director Greta Girwig. Esty feels that she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she wants to openly give back to the town she grew up making many wonderful memories in, and deepin her connection with the valley and its people.
