Yes, it's Rhody time again. Actually, it's been that time for a few months now! I snapped this photo in February, while chaperoning the bevy of young beauties at Sequim's Irrigation Festival Royalty Coronation. All 4 of our 2006 Royalty attended and 5 of our 6 2007 Royalty Candidates were able to attend. It was a fun evening!! So, since the photo was taken, three of the above were crowned 2007 Royalty and will reign over the 72nd Rhododendron Festival in May and throughout the summer, traveling to parades and making various appearances. Our coronation was such an emotional evening, to say the least!! I was so conflicted in my emotions the Sunday after! On the one hand, I was happy for the 3 that were crowned and excited for their year to get underway. And on the other hand, this was the first year in 3 that we've had to say goodbye to any candidates. With 6 of them running, it was a 50-50 shot at getting a spot atop the float and everyone know that, but still... it was just hard. The outcome was surprising even to the two of us who worked closest and got to know the girls better than anyone else. It just goes to show how good a job the Festival has done to ensure the judging is fairly spread out amongst many judges and over many categories and different appearances. The process is quite amazing to me. I'm most sad to say goodbye to one candidate in particular that I'd grown quite an appreciation for. I'm very happy to say that she's still seeking me out to stay in contact with. She reminds me of myself at her age in some ways. I know she will go far in life because she harboring no ill feelings about her involvement as a Rhody Candidate even though she walked away without a crown and just because of the awesome young lady that she is. I really feel like I've had an impact on her and that makes me feel so great! I enjoy my involvement with the Candidates and Royalty so much; I get such great fullfillment from helping mold the young ladies of today. I'm told I relate well to teenagers today... I'm not sure if that's good or bad exactly. Does that mean I'm immature or empathetic? HAHA Either way, I'm thinking it's a good thing!
1 comment:
I'm glad she is going to keep in touch. And yes, it is worthwhile to participate- she will be able to look back fondly at the process and the friends she made!
At least you are told you relate to teenagers. I seem to be best with the pre-school set ;-)
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