14 finalists will compete for Lilac queen

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association has chosen the 14 finalists for its 2009 Royalty Court.

Young women who attend one of Spokane County’s 28 high schools can apply. This year, applications came in from more than 20 high schools. The 2009 finalists are:

•Shanelle Coffey – Central Valley

•Alexis Green – Cheney

•Torie Nee – East Valley

•Catherine Chestnut – Ferris

•Ashley Burke – Lewis and Clark

•Aimee Furrie – Mead

•Natale Szabo – Medical Lake

•Lindsey Peterson – Mt. Spokane

•Izzy Taylor – North Central

•Chloe Crittenden – Northwest Christian

•Kayla Fencl – Rogers

•Rawnie Sleizer – Shadle Park

•Hilary Bowen – Valley Christian

•Chrissy Emerson – West Valley

From this group, six princesses and the 2009 queen will be chosen.

The Royal Court judging will be held at the Spokane Masonic Center on Feb. 7 with coronation the following day.

“We look for poise, community spirit and they have to have a minimum of 3.0 g.p.a.,” said Karene Garlich-Lohman, with the Spokane Lilac Festival Association.

The Lilac Queen receives a $2,500 scholarship and each princess receives a $1,500 scholarship.

“We have several other scholarships we give,” said Garlich-Loman, “the grand total is $14,000.”

The Armed Forces Torchlight Parade – or the Lilac Parade – is on the third Saturday of May. In 2009, that’s May 16.