Lilac Court throne awaits for seven of ‘Fab 14’
Since 1938, accomplished young women from throughout Spokane County have been selected to serve as princesses or queen of the Spokane Lilac Festival. This year, 14 high school girls have been chosen to compete for the crowns Sunday.
The “Fab 14,” as they are called, have been attending classes to learn table etiquette, self-defense, makeup tips, modeling, stress management and conflict resolution.
The self-defense class included lessons in the Kubotan, a stick about 6 inches long attached to their key rings.
“I really liked self-defense,” said candidate Chloe Dugger, representing Ferris High School.
Members of last year’s Lilac Court held a dinner for the candidates and served them hard-to-eat food to test their table etiquette.
They ate spaghetti, an iceberg lettuce wedge salad with cherry tomatoes and bread.
“We had to take really, really small bites,” Dugger said.
They have become friends – 14 girls who may not have met if not for being part of the Fab 14.
In fact, it will be hard for them to say goodbye to the seven “Spring Free” girls – those who aren’t appointed to the Lilac Court – after the coronation ceremony.
“Definitely, that’s bittersweet,” said candidate Sydne Alegria, of North Central High School.
“They take a lot away with them, too,” chaperone Gloria Fox said of the Spring Free group. “Sometimes they come back and speak to the girls.”
Along with the classes, the girls are spending time volunteering at various community events. They helped at the Santa Express, First Night and at Toys for Tots in Coeur d’Alene.
“This is the finest organization I’ve been through,” said Samantha Williams, of Medical Lake.
The 2011 Fab 14 include Kaysha Lybecker, Rogers; MacKenzie Johnson, Mead; Courtney Vander Linden, Mt. Spokane; Rayanne Shears, Shadle Park; Sydne Alegria, North Central; Chloe Dugger, Ferris; Amanda Cash, Lewis and Clark; Katherine Verkovod, Cheney; Samantha Williams, Medical Lake; Brianna Bogart, Valley Christian, Kaleigh Fox, Central Valley; Porscha Smith, University; Katie Mandler, Gonzaga Prep; Christa Gentili; The Oaks.
Sydne Alegria
North Central
17 years old
Q: Have you always wanted to be a Lilac queen or princess?
A: Yes, I have. Ever since I saw such beautiful girls at the parade wearing my favorite color it was a done deal for me; I had to be up there.
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: I hope to go to Whitworth University to become a Spanish and/or music teacher.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love photography, both digital and film. I even have names for my cameras; Winkler and Olive. I also enjoy singing and spending time with my family and friends.
Q: What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with? Why? Where?
A: I would like to go back in time and have lunch with Kirtland Cutter. He designed such beautiful houses, one of my favorites being the exquisite Campbell House. I would love to have lunch right there in the Campbell House.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the Fab 14?
A: My favorite thing about being on the Fab 14 is that it is such a learning experience. The skills we are taught will give us an edge for the rest of our lives.
MacKenzie Johnson
Mead
17 years old
Q: Have you always wanted to be a Lilac queen or princess?
A: Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to be one of the “pretty ladies” waving their hand up on the float. Little did I know it’s so much more than that!
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: My dream school is the University of Washington and when I grow up I want to be a general surgeon.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: In my free time I love to hang out with my friends, attend school sporting events and watch the TV show “Lost.”
Q: What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with? Why? Where?
A: I would like to have lunch with Dr. (Timothy) Icenogle, the heart transplant surgeon at Sacred Heart Medical Center, because I would love to pick his brain about his career path and hear any advice he has to offer a potential pre-medicine student. We would eat at my favorite local restaurant, the Downriver Grill.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the Fab 14?
A: My favorite things about being on the Fab 14 are building new friendships, traveling across the Inland Northwest and being a role model for little girls in the community.
Kaysha Lybecker
Rogers
17 years old
Q: Have you always wanted to be a Lilac queen or princess?
A: Since I was 5 years old, I remember watching the Lilac Parade and wanting to be a Lilac princess.
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: I have been accepted into the University of Montana and Boise State University and have recently applied to the University of Oregon and WSU.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My hobbies include playing sports with my friends, dirt bike riding and volunteering in the community.
Q: What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with? Why? Where?
A: My favorite public figure to have lunch with would be Mayor Mary Verner at the Davenport because she is willing to listen to the youth of Spokane and make Spokane a better place to live.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the Fab 14?
A: My favorite part about being on the Fab 14 is the learning experience and the new friendships with girls from other schools in our community.
Rayanne Shears
Shadle Park
17 years old
Q: Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess or queen?
A: Believe it or nor, my grandmother has been attending Lilac coronations since my mother was a child. She really inspired me to try out and she’s never been more proud.
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: University of Washington, I feel it complements who I am in every way.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love anything artistic: the world is my canvas. I also love sports, especially bowling or playing tennis.
Q: What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with? Why? Where?
A: My grandfather was a police officer for 30 years. I greatly respect their position. Anne Kirkpatrick is a strong woman leading the Spokane Police force. It would be an honor to have lunch with her.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the Fab 14?
A: Honestly, I never would have had the opportunity to do all the fun events and classes we’ve done. It’s been an adventure.
Courtney Vander Linden
Mt. Spokane
17 years old
Q: Have you always wanted to be a Lilac princess or queen?
A: Yes. I have always admired the poise and confidence of the Lilac queen and princesses. It would be my honor to represent my high school and serve the Spokane community.
Q: Where do you plan to attend college?
A: I plan to attend LIM College in New York City. It is the only school in the nation for just the business side of the fashion industry. It will be the perfect place for me to study what I love – fashion merchandising and marketing.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I am very adventurous! I love to work out, play basketball, travel and spend time outdoors. I also love to collect fashion magazines and spend time with my family. They always make me laugh.
Q: What Spokane public figure would you like to have lunch with? Why? Where?
A: Tom Sherry – not only is he a weatherman, he is also involved in many other aspects of the community. From Tom’s Turkey Drive to Tom’s Tailgate Parties, he is always helping out and has fun doing it. And of course we would go to Subway, because I like to “eat fresh!”
Q: What is your favorite thing about being on the Fab 14?
A: I absolutely love getting to know the girls. I have loved every experience so far, and see this as a wonderful opportunity to give back to my community and have a great time as well.