By Laurie O’Brien
For fifty five years, young women from Olympia and the surrounding communities of Tumwater and Lacey have competed for the coveted title of Lakefair Queen. This year, twenty six area high school students were nominated by their respective schools, and after the submission of an essay and an interview process, six were named to the 2012 Royal Court.
Since early spring, the 2012 Royal Court has been out and about in the greater Olympia area and around the state representing our community. From painting faces during Arts Walk to visiting Alzheimer’s patients in local nursing homes, each princess is expected to attend local events and participate in service projects throughout her term. They are also invited to present prepared speeches in front of speaking organizations. During spring appearances, the court is evaluated by a secret panel of judges. The selection of the Queen is based upon those evaluations and an additional interview. For her service, each princess is awarded a $3000 scholarship, with the queen receiving an additional two thousand dollars. In addition to private donations, the scholarship fund is supported by major sponsors Olympia Federal Savings and American Pump and Electric.
The outgoing 2011 Queen is Michaela Kier who attends Northwest Christian High School. She is the daughter of Michael and Kathryn Kier. Michaela is captain of her school’s volleyball team and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a volunteer at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission. Her long term goal is to combine her love of volunteering, sailing and travel by joining Mercy Ships for several months to serve the needy in Africa. She plans to attend college and major in education.
Members of the 2012 Lakefair Royal Court are:
Macy Allaire
Macy attends Olympia High School and is the daughter of Chuck and Jane Allaire. She is a member of the OHS Symphonic Choir, yearbook staff, the sports medicine and training program, a Senate representative and a member of the Rotary Interact Club.
As part of the Royal Court, Macy was able to help judge boats with the Olympia Yacht Club during opening weekend of the boating season. A lifelong boater, this experience was a natural for her. Taking part in the Downtown Association’s Girls Night Out program has also been a highlight. “Each of these activities has been a learning experience and great opportunity to meet new people. Having grown up on the Puget Sound, boating day was so fun to be a part of. I was thrilled to be a part of the ceremonies and meet so many highly regarded people.” Representing Olympia around the state has also been fun. “Being up there on top of a float that so many people spent countless hours working on specifically for us is when the word ‘princess’ really starts to have a feeling associated with us.”
Macy plans to attend college and major in a field that would allow her to utilize her interests in math and science in a way that provides the satisfaction of helping those in her community.
Kayla Dimalanta
Kayla attends Sunrise Beach High School and is the daughter of Eleanor Dimalanta. Kayla also attends at South Puget Sound Community College through the Running Start program and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is the ASB Vice-President at Sunrise Beach and an active leader in her youth group.
Participating in various parades and festivals around the state has been fun for Kayla, but the biggest highlight for her so far was a local event. “Out of all the awesome experiences I have had because of Capital Lakefair, my favorite is Special Needs Prom hosted at Timberline High School. It was so amazing to see the sheer joy and pride the kids had on their faces while all dressed up in their sharp suits and their pretty dresses. Their laughter–and dance moves–were contagious. At times, they were even singing along to songs that they knew! I also loved that loving parents, supporting teachers, and students like me were there to ensure that those with special needs were having a good time and felt included. Watching them enjoy themselves so much despite all of the struggles they have faced, are facing, and will continue to face was beautiful and inspired me in a way nothing had before. By the end of the night, I definitely did not want to go home. The event blew past all my expectations, and I am honored that I could be a small reason behind their shining smiles.”
Kayla plans to attend a four year university after completion of her AA degree at SPSCC. Her major will be elementary education.
Bailey Elders
Bailey attends Tumwater High School and is the daughter of Raymond and Tracy Elders. Bailey is a member of the Tumwater High cheerleading team and the golf team. She volunteers for several community organizations.
“My favorite activity was my first speech which was with the Soroptimist Club of Olympia. All the ladies were very nice and had very interesting jobs. I was very nervous. And obviously when I went up to give my speech I forgot every word. So I had to look at my notes a little too often, but the two women I sat next to were really encouraging. They were funny and we just talked. I would tell them about my school and the outfits we have for Lakefair, and in return they would tell me about their dogs, retired life, and their old jobs. But most of all we just joked around and laughed. It was a good way to get the speech season started.”
Bailey plans to attend a four year university and become a nurse, focusing on surgical nursing.
Melissa Luper
Melissa attends North Thurston High School and is the daughter of Joy Luper. Melissa is a member of the Interact Club at North Thurston. She is also active in the Lacey Police Explorer program, Sound Care Kids through Providence, a grief support group working with her therapy dog. She is also involved in dog 4-H and the Thurston County Teen 4-H Cub.
“The (event) that stood out the most to me was visiting the Hampton’s Special Care Unit in Tumwater. We spent some time socializing with the residents which was really enjoyable. The best part was their reactions at our dazzling gowns, they seemed very excited and it felt good to know we had brightened their day. We will be visiting Clare Bridge Alzheimer and Dementia home in August, which I am looking forward to.”
Melissa plans to attend a four year university and major in criminal justice and/or psychology.
Lindsey Townsend
Lindsey attends Capital High School and is the daughter of Monica Townsend. Lindsey is the National Honor Society vice-president at Capital, a Link Crew leader and has participated in student government. She also volunteers at the Thurston County Food Bank.
It was difficult for Lindsey to pick just one highlight. “From painting faces at Art Walk, to giving our speeches at the service clubs, it has been so much fun to be able to be out in the community interacting with people of all ages and from all backgrounds; however, I think what has stood out most for me are the parades. I know that every time I get up on the float, I feel a little nervous and jittery in anticipation of all the people watching us. Then we get out in the parade, and everyone is excited, and people are dancing to the music with us, and it’s like everything else melts away; all the nerves, sleepiness, or fear that it’s going to rain, and in the end we’re just there to share joy with others. It has been really rewarding to be a part of, and that feeling of unity, energy, and glee will stay with me long after our reign ends.”
Lindsey plans to attend a four year university on the east coast of the US or in France or England. She would like to experience a new culture and a new geographic area.
Mackenzie Emerson
Mackenzie attends Black Hills High School and is the daughter of Gary and Debbie Emerson. She is a member of the Nation Honor Society, Student Court, the Tumwater Youth Program and the Black Hills High School Choir. She has done some extensive traveling and was born in China.
“Some of the activities the girls and I have done are parades, speaking engagements, and the Special Needs Prom. I think the one experience we’ve done so far that has stood out to me the most though is when we painted faces at Arts Walk. It was really fun interacting with the kids and even people our own age. We got to be creative with what we designed and that experience showed me that you’ll never be too old to get your face painted. I’m definitely excited for future face painting and every other event that Lakefair has planned.”
Mackenzie plans to attend a four year university. She would like to teach elementary school or high school math.
The dates for this year’s Capital Lakefair are July 18-22, 2012. The coronation of this year’s Lakefair Queen will take place on Thursday night, July 19th, on the main Lakefair stage.
