The 2004 Marysville Strawberry Festival Royal Court has been hard at work since their coronation. These young ladies are no strangers to hard work and community service, which is why they were chosen not only to represent the festival but also the city of Marysville.
Before their election they have to pass a rigorous selection process that includes public speaking, talent, impromptu responses and more. In the end, only three ambassadors are selected.
Today, the royalty are officially known as ambassadors rather than princesses. The main reason for the name change was that the competition was opened up to young men a few years ago.
In 2001, the Marysville Strawberry Festival was invited to join the prestigious Northwest Festival Hosting Association. Members of the Hosting Association take their floats and Royal Courts to cities all over the Northwest, encouraging friendships between communities.
The Royal Ambassador for the 2004-2005 season is Marysville-Pilchuck High School senior Stacey Taplin. Stacey has lived in Marysville most of her life and grew up watching the Strawberry Festival. She was selected for her leadership role due to her stellar academic background and proven public poise. Stacey is the senior class vice president and has served on the homecoming committee, prom committee, honor societies and more. She earned an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and was English Scholar of the year. She has also been honored by the local Soroptimist and Kiwanis groups. She plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall.
Supporting ambassador Chesney Carroll is a senior at Master’s Touch Christian School. She has always been involved in student government and, like Stacey, is also her class vice president. She is known for her efforts on school and community fundraisers and is an active member of her church.
Chesney was born in Everett and has lived the past seven years in Marysville. Her list of honors includes the Donna James Award for study, leadership and spiritual growth, the Principal’s Award, Sword of Spirit and Most Enthusiastic. Chesney is also on the honor role. Her busy activities schedule includes soccer, golf, dance and cheer. She previously participated in the Strawberry Festival Parade with her cheer group. This very active young woman has volunteered as a page for the State House of Representatives and looks forward to attending Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho.
Ambassador Angella Murray rounds out the Royal Court. The Marysville-Pilchuck High School senior attends school and holds down a job, yet still finds time to participate in after school sports including golf and fast pitch softball. Her love of recreational activities has led to her acceptance at Central Washington University, where she can be nearer the mountains. Angella plans to major in sociology or criminology and become a counselor.
Look for the Royal Court on the Happy Days float in the parade on Saturday.
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