GIVING AND GROWING: Learning on the Job Daffodil Princesses TRAINING: Transforming Students into Community Leaders through Service. BY SAVANNAH FRY
Poised, eloquent and approachable: all adjectives which might well be used to describe Daffodil Princesses, who are responsible for interacting with many influential members of the community. From the smallest participant of a Library Reading circle, to the members of the Pierce County Council, these Princesses have to remain calm and comfortable at numerous events across not just their home county, but throughout the summer, at Court appearances. However, these aren’t always skills they come equipped with when they join the ranks of the Royal Court. This kind of confidence only can come with practice… the kind they get through their interactions with the many people who support the Daffodil Festival! And these Princesses are happy to tell you about the many ways joining this Festival has pushed them out of their comfort zones, and into new pathways for leadership, learning, and personal growth. Princess Mackenzie Macoy, from Franklin Pierce High School, sometimes found school projects daunting; however, after taking part in so many events with the Daffodil Festival, her perspective on public speaking has changed. “Before Daffodil, I struggled with socializing with people, and now that I’ve done it so much, it’s become very, very easy.” How so? “It’s not scary anymore! When I have to do presentations in class now, it’s so much better, because I’ve spoken in front of so many people, it’s just not as intimidating to talk in front of my classmates.” For Princess Kaitlin Nguyen, from Rogers High School, taking part in various auctions with other Daffodil Princesses – like those hosted by Rotary clubs, or other local organizations – made her adapt to new situations, because of the kinds of people she had to talk to. “You encounter a lot of adults that play a very influential role in
Daffodil Royalty getting a VIP tour of the Western Air Defense Sector building on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
the resident we had just spoken to never talks to anyone. Ever.” Princess Sammy spends individual time with a future Princess at the Graham library.
the community, and usually, I’m not used to being around those kinds of people,” she says. “[b]eing put faceto-face with these people, and being expected to put on a really good face for the Daffodil Festival, it’s kind of hard to get into that mindset of ‘I have to be really professional here, we’re not dealing with kids anymore!’” Then how do you have to act? “I have to act in a way that seems mature, but also approachable… These are people who really do a lot for our community, and they’re big leaders, but then they come up to you and are just as excited to meet you, too!” Princess Emily Oliver, from Spanaway Lake High School, has a favorite quote she keeps in mind, every time she finds that she needs that extra nudge out of her comfort zone. “There’s no growth in the comfort zone, and there’s no comfort in the growth zone.” “I just take that as, you can be comfortable all you want, but you’re not going to be growing your character there… if you just push yourself a little bit, and a little bit, and a little bit more, you’re going to get better, and better, and better!” That kind of personal growth is one of the most rewarding things about breaking out of her shyness, because with the Daffodil Festival, she’s not the only one that’s impacted. “It makes me happy to know that when I go out of my comfort zone, with Daffodil, I’m getting better, but it’s helping make other people’s lives
better, too!” The continued reflection, of how the growing confidence of these young women directly benefits their ability to serve their community, illustrates a genuine connection to the legacy of the Daffodil Festival: by giving them opportunities to develop skills in leadership and public service, we can more effectively connect to the residents of Pierce County. No one is better equipped to illustrate this point than the young women themselves! Check out these stories from some of this year’s Royal Court, about how they’ve connected in unique ways to some of Pierce County’s diverse residents, and see what can happen when we push beyond the boundaries of comfort, to communicate real caring… for both the Princesses, and the people they meet along the way! Princess Laura Cronic, from Curtis High School “We went to a nursing home, to spend time with the residents during their tea and snack time. As we were walking through the hallways to say hello to residents that did not come to the tea, we stopped to say “Hi!” to a woman in a wheelchair. She responded by saying, “You ladies look beautiful,” and immediately turned away, just keeping the same straight face. But then as we kept walking, the events coordinator was standing with her mouth wide open in amazement, and told us that
Princess Tabitha Reynolds, from Bonney Lake High School “We went to one of the Tacoma Libraries, and there was a young man there who had a social anxiety disorder. He was just pacing back and forth behind me, and I didn’t really know what was going on… Steve [the Executive Director of the Daffodil Festival] told me, ‘I’m right here, it’s okay,’ so I was just kept on making crowns with the kids. Afterwards, [the man] was still pacing behind me, and I didn’t understand why, so I just kept on playing. All of a sudden, he gave me a hug! It caught me a little by surprise, but I gave him a hug back. Then he started pacing behind Princess Maddie. He would go up to her, then back away, because he got nervous… but once he finally worked up the confidence, he gave
her a hug, too, and then he left. It seemed like he had it in his mind that he had to give us all a hug before he could leave! I think it’s so rewarding, because it’s not just kids that we’re serving, or having interactions with, but it really is the whole community.” Princess Kallie Sherwood, from Emerald Ridge High School “One night, we had a Rotary Crab Feed, and we did crafts with the kids, but also had a little dance party; the following night, at the Clan Gordon Tartan Ball, we had a little dance party. I’m pretty good at busting some moves in my dress! I found some cute dance partners, you know, in the form of ten and twelve year old boys. At the Crab Feed especially, there was this little boy with his little brother, who were hiding under the table… eventually they came out, See TRAINING / page S10
Princesses Lillie, Jess and Shayla answer endless questions from students at Whitman elementary school about the life and activites of Royalty in the Daffodil Festival.
Princesses of the 2016 Daffodil Festival Melissa Kinney
Lakes High School Melissa Kinney is in National Honor Society, the Orchestra President, and an Evergreen Girl’s State participant. Melissa is on the Lake’s Swim and Dive Team and also plays Soccer and Tennis. She is Battalion Commander in JROTC, has received the Superior Cadet award and the Bronze Patrick Henry Medallion. Melissa is a children’s Bible study leader and likes to read and run. In the fall, she will attend the University of Texas at Arlington and obtain a B.S. in Geological Engineering and be an officer in the Army.
Esther Wamagata
Clover Park High School Esther Wamagata is the daughter of Evanson Wakianda and Margaret Wamagata. She is in DECA and the Drama Club. She is the manager of the African American Club and Boy’s Basketball. Esther has volunteered at the Tree Program and Habitat for Humanity. She is vice-secretary of her youth group and the Praise and Worship Leader at church. Esther plans to go to Northwest University and major in International Business and minor in International Relations.
Kelty Pierce
Puyallup High School Kelty Pierce is the daughter of Dean and Carina Pierce. She is the ASB Secretary and the Viking Knights and Ladies President. Kelty was a state finalist in debate and has three varsity letters in community service. Kelty is a two-time presenter at the Jostens Renaissance National Leadership Conference. In her spare time, she has performed in community theater and is a nanny. In the fall, Kelty will attend the University of Washington to study International Business.
Tiauna Bill
Chief Leschi High School Tiauna Bill is the daughter of Angela Acob and Yell-Xla-Bate-Soot Bill. She is her Senior Class President, and previously served as ASB President and ASB Treasurer. Tiauna works and volunteers as a camp counselor for gang resistance education and training. She is a member of the Varsity Track and Cross Country teams. Tiauna loves spending time with her family, her animals, and especially her grandparents. Her plans are to attend the University of Washington to study education to later return to her school and work as an administrator.
Emmalee Ford
Cascade Christian High School Emmalee Ford is the daughter of Bill and Crystal Ford. She is an Executive ASB team member, in the National Honor Society, and the Golf team manager. She serves weekly in children’s ministry at church, leads Bible studies, and mentors Jr. High girls. She likes to spend time with her family and friends and loves her community. Emmalee will attend Seattle Pacific University to major in Education and eventually become an elementary school teacher.
Kaitlin Nguyen
Rogers High School Kaitlin Nguyen is the daughter of Katina and Andrew Nguyen. She is in Key Club Leadership and the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Commoner, which is Rogers school newspaper. Her interests are graphic design, writing, and community service. Kaitlin plans to attend the University of Washington and major in Communications to become a Public Relations Manager.
Faviola Colmenares
Washington High School Faviola Colmenares is the daughter of Adolfo and Rita Colmenares. She is a part of College Bound and Patriot Crew. Faviola has been a part of Cheer and Leadership at school. Her interests include working with children and cheerleading. Faviola plans to attend Warner Pacific University where she will major in Sociology to become a Social Worker for foster care children.
Kallie Sherwood
Emerald Ridge High School Kallie Sherwood is the daughter of Doug and Deb Sherwood. She is a member of choir and her school’s leadership program, an AP scholar award winner, and has been an officer in student government. She is a YoungLife leader, Sunday School Teacher, and a volunteer elementary math tutor. Kallie will be attending Whitworth University to major in History and then will attend law school to become an attorney.
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The 2016 Daffodil Royalty serve as the official Ambassadors of Pierce County and will volunteer more than 8,000 hours of community service at over 280 appearances during their reign. Tabitha Reynolds
Bonney Lake High School Tabitha Reynolds is the daughter of Steve and Hilary Reynolds. She is a member of National Honor Society, the President of DECA, and has received the Heart of the Panther Award for DECA. Tabitha has lettered in track for the last 2 years. She volunteers at the Auburn Valley Humane Society, and loves to run and hike. Tabitha plans to attend Washington State University and study in their Veterinary program to eventually become a Veterinarian.
Lillie Williams
Stadium High School Lillie Williams is the daughter of Jon and Pam Williams. She has has lettered four years in Cross Country and was this year’s captain. She is the assistant Pep Band Conductor and has played tennis at Stadium. Lillie’s interests include karate, running, hiking, cooking, and movies. She is also a member of Pierce County Search and Rescue. In the fall, she will attend Washington State University while majoring in Digital Arts. Lillie would like to make short movies and motion pictures sharing her imagination.
Chelsea Lopez
Lincoln High School Chelsea Lopez is the daughter of Tami Kenan. She is in Travelers Club, Musical Theatre, and Upward Bound. Chelsea currently works at Gove Lodge in Tacoma. Her interests include meeting new people, working with young children, and performing musical productions. Chelsea plans to attend Washington State University to major in Business and Political Science.
Skylar Miller
Sumner High School Skylar Miller is the daughter of Keith and Pati Miller. She is a member of National Honor Society and is the ASB Activities Coordinator. Skylar is on Spartan Crew Council and plays tennis. Her interests include dance, Power Club Leadership, and Bible study at school. Skylar’s plans are to attend Boise State University to major in Psychology and one day become a counselor.
Emily Oliver
Spanaway Lake High School Emily Oliver is the daughter of Jeannie Whitworth. She is ASB President, on the Link Crew, and plays on the Volleyball team. Emily enjoys working at summer camps and performing service projects with her youth group. Her hobbies include basketball, playing the piano, attending church, and leading at youth group. Emily’s plans are to attend Brigham Young University, then medical school to become a Rheumatologist.
Jaycee Jenkins
Graham-Kapowsin High School Jaycee Jenkins is the daughter of Mark and Dawn Jenkins. She is a member of National Honor Society and has received the Heart of an Eagle Award at her high school. Jaycee has run Cross Country for 6 years and track at Graham-Kapowsin for 2 years. Her hobbies include running and fast pitch. Jaycee plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University for a major in Nursing and a minor in Spanish to one day become a traveling nurse.
Kimberly Agfalvi
Bethel High School Kimberly Agfalvi is the daughter of Randy Coard and Michelle Marchesani and Robert Agfalvi. She is in National Honor Society, DECA, and is a TRIO student. She has been a cheerleader all four years of high school and lettered two years. She is also a Relay for Life and Light the Night Volunteer. Kimberly will attend Portland State University and major in Business Administration, and will one day own her own business.
Jess Nguyen
Henry Foss High School Jess Nguyen is the daughter of Johnny and Jenny Nguyen. She is a member of National Honor Society, a Board Member of the Orchestra Council, and President of the Cultural Food Club. Jess is first chair of Chamber Orchestra and is also the Captain of the girl’s tennis team. She tutors the younger orchestra members and likes coaching girls and boys tennis. Jess will be attending Pacific Lutheran University and major in pre-med.
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Princesses of the 2016 Daffodil Festival Sammy Roberts
Eatonville High School Sammy Roberts is the daughter of Alan and Tiffany Matthews. She is involved in Honor Society, Key Club, Tennis, Cheer, and is her Senior Class Treasurer. She has lettered in Drama and been a part of school plays. Sammy likes to read, scrapbook, tutor and engage with children. Her plans are to attend Whitworth University to study Biology and Neuroscience before continuing to medical school.
Lindsey McClellan
Mount Tahoma High School Lindsey McClellan is the daughter of Robert McClellan and Lynette Kelly. She is in National Honor Society and is the Executive Recording Secretary for ASB. Lindsay has been in band all four years, and is currently the Band Captain and is a Section Leader. Lindsey loves community service, is a Relay for Life Team Captain and loves to travel. Her plans are to attend Pacific Lutheran University to study Nonprofit Management and Sociology, while continuing her interest in music.
Shayla Chandler
Fife High School Shayla Chandler is the daughter of Paula Chandler. She is in National Honor Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She helps volunteers her time special needs classes and also volunteers at the local food bank. Shayla enjoys to read in her spare time. In the fall, she plans to study at The University of Washington with an emphasis in Neuropsychology. Shayla wants to become a Clinical Psychologist.
Mackenzie Macoy
Franklin Pierce High School Mackenzie Macoy is the daughter of Forrest and Ruth Macoy. She has lettered three years in wrestling, two years in band, and played the saxophone for five years. She is a member of green team and has over 100 hours of volunteer work in the end-of-life care unit at Good Samaritan Hospital. Mackenzie will attend the University of Washington, majoring in Biology and eventually go into the field of Dermatology.
Laura Cronic
Curtis High School Laura Cronic is the daughter of Ruth Yamashita. She is the ASB President, a member of Science Olympia, and has varsity letters in community service and cross country. Her interests include running and volunteering at Virginia Mason and St. Joseph Hospital. Laura will attend the University of Washington and research cell biology, then pursue a career in medicine.
Shannon Dooley
Orting High School Shannon Dooley is the daughter of Brian and Merry Dooley. She is Secretary of National Honor Society, Executive Public Relations Officer, Captain of the Varsity Soccer Team, and a member of Family Career and Community Leaders of America. She loves soccer and playing the piano. Shannon plans to study at Washington State University, then at Physical Therapy school to have a career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
Maddie Meyer
White River High School Maddie Meyer is the daughter of Chris and Teresa Meyer. She is Senior Class President, Secretary of Honor Society, and has letters in Softball and Leadership. She has received national honors for high school scholars. Maddie’s interests are softball, hiking, church, community service, and traveling. Her plans are to attend Linfield College and major in Athletic Training in the Pre-Physician Assistant program, then attend Physician Assistant school.
Each of these ladies were selected from 23 Pierce County high schools and were brought together to become the 2016 Daffodil Festival Royal Court.
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The 83nd Annual Grand Floral Parade Entries include: Not all entries participate in all four legs of the parades, and are subject to adjustment or change. 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion 47th Color Guard 47th Marching Unit 504th Military Police Battalion 593rd ESC - Marching Unit & Military Vehicle 593rd ESC Color Guard 66th Military Police Company Vehicle Admiral James S. Russell Stadium High School Navy Junior ROTC “Tiger Cadets” Afifi Shriners Albert Lee Appliance - Hydroplane American Heritage Girls
Army M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter Astoria Clowns Astoria Regatta - Bridge to Everywhere Aylen Junior High Band Ballou Junior High Marching Band Baskin Robbins - Puyallup Bestla Busk - Stilt Walker Bethel Community “I Love Summer” Bethel High School Air Force JROTC Drill team Bethel High School Band Bethel Middle School Marching Band Bonney Lake High School Marching Band BSA Troop 501 Capital Lakefair - Community Hearts Fly Cheetah Track Club City of Eatonville Clan Gordon Pipe Bad Clover Park Float - Once Upon A Time Clover Park Marching Band Col Ronald Smith - VIP Colonel Scott Luekenga - VIP Colors of Hawai’i Kau Lio Pa’u Riders Columbia Junior High Marching Band Community Grand Marshal Councilmember Joyce McDonald Cowichan Lake Lady of the Lake Crista Camps Cub Scouts Pack 560 Cub Scouts Pack 621 Curtis Senior High School Daffodil President Daffodil Festival Traveling Float Dockyard Derby Dames Doughboy Color Guard
East Pierce F&E 1932 Kenworth Fire Engine Eatonville High School Band Edgemont JH School Marching Band Emerald Rridge HS Band and Cheer Fathoms of Fun Ferrucci Junior High School Marching Band Fife Community Float Flo Hawks Foss High School Band and AFJROTC Foss Cheer Franklin Pierce HS Cardinal Band Franklin Pierce Schools Community Float Frontier Middle School Marching Band Girl Scout Troop 40143Rachelle eiler Girl Scout Troop 40619 Glacier View Junior High Band Graham-Kapowsin Cheer and Dance Graham-Kapowsin Marching Band Grand Marshal Great Escape Contest Winners Harnish Auto Family Honorary Grand Marshal I Corps Army Band Integrity Drill Team JBLM Bettie Brigade JUMP into Spring!
Kalles Junior High Marching Band La Senoritas Saber Drill Team Lakeridge Middle School Marching Band Lakes High School Lancer Marching Band Lincoln High School Marching Band LTC Yvonne C. Miller Maj. Virginia Supanick, 13th CSSB Mariner Moose Marysville Strawbery Festival Metro Animal Services Miss Pierce County 2016 Mom and Me Mobile Medical Clinic Mount Tahoma High School Army JROTC Mountain View Middle School Marching Band Moxee Hop Festival Miss East Valley Mt. Tahoma JROTC Drill Muckleshoot Cheer Navy Band Northwest
New Westminster Hyack Festival NW Small Equine Club Old Cannery Orting Float: Festival Sun Fun! Orting High School Marching Band Orting Lacrosse Club Orting Middle School Band and Drumline Orting Project Grad Orting Standing Together On Prevention Pace Dermatology and Aesthetic Center Penticton Peach Festival Pierce County Mustang & Educators of Year Pierce County Sheriffs Mounted Posse Puget Sound Legacy Athletics - Car Wash Puyallup Cheer Academy Youth Cheerleading Puyallup City Council Puyallup Community Float Puyallup Eagles Puyallup High School Marching Band Puyallup Tribal Float and Units Puyallup Jr. Viking Cheer Queen’s Float - Daffodil Princesses Rainier Antique Tractor Rainier Council Square Dancers Relay For Life of Tacoma Rhubarb - Tacoma Rainiers Rogers High School Marching Band and Cheer Ronald McDonald Royal Rosarians Sea Gals Sea Scout Ship 110 Charles N Curtis Seattle Seafair Commodores Seattle Seafair Pirates Sequim Irrigation Festival Soldiers of the 13th Combat Battalion Sons Of Norway Soul Pursuit Yoga Studio South Sound Nighthawks Spanaway Lake HS Band, Cheer, Navy JROTC Summer Nights in Sumner Sumner High School Spartan Marching Band Sumner Middle School Bobcat Marching Band Synchronized Land Swimmers Tacoma #3 EAGLES
Tacoma Deputy Mayor Ryan Mellow Tacoma Fire Department Tacoma Yacht Club The Ladies of Elegance & Drumline The Little Gym of Puyallup The Pirates of Treasure Island The Princesses of Elegance The Sonics Guy
The Tacoma Lariettes 25th District Senator and Representatives University Place Community Float Untouchable Car Club USS Nimitz Honor Guard VarSity Crew Entertainment
Veterans and Families - American legion WA St Apple Blossom”Simply the Best” Washington State Patrol Washington Fallen Heroes Banners Washington High School Band and Cheer Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Washington State Spring Fair Watts Basketball - Slick Watts West Seattle Hi-Yu-Around the Sound Westport’s “Fishing with Flowers” White River Float - Beach Boys Block Party White River High School Marching Band Wilson High School Band
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Media Partnership with KING 5 Television adds a second channel MEDIA: Daffodil Parade televised on local KONG 6/16 and regionally on NWCN The Daffodil Festival’s 83rd Grand Floral Parade will add new a regional audience to see over 150 parade entries travel through Puyallup on April 9th. The partnership between the Daffodil Festival and KING 5 is in its forth year, with the local news provider serving as official broadcasting sponsor of the Grand Floral Parade. The Parade will be filmed during the second of the four legs of the parade in downtown Puyallup along South Meridian.
Enjoy the 83rd Annual Daffodil Parade from the comfort of your home Saturday evening on one of two channels broadcasting the parade simultaniously.
The Parade will later air in Primetime on KONG 6/16 and Northwest Cable News (NWCN) on Saturday, April 11th at 8:00 PM. NWCN extends the audience for the parade to Oregon, Idaho, Montana in addition to viewer across Eastern and Western Washington. This year’s televised event will be hosted by the on-site talent of KING 5 Evening Magazine’s anchor, Michael King, as well as KING 5 morning news traffic anchor, Tracy Taylor.
Saturday, April 9th - 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Hosted by: Michael King and Tracy Taylor
A link to find NWCN on your cable system or provider:
http://www.nwcn.com/about/programming-guide
Four 5K Races in Four Different Cities, the Daffodil 5K Challenge returns
RACE: Daffodil Festival 5K Laces Up for another Fantastic Challenge BY SAVANNAH FRY One of the reasons that the Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade is such a notable community event is the route it takes, winding through the Pierce County cities of Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. Not everyone has the kind of dedication it takes to make it through four different cities in one day! Unless, of course, you’re one of the local athletes looking to complete the Daffodil 5K Challenge, taking place for the 3rd consecutive year this April 9th, 2016. Sponsored by Nike and South Sound Running, this annual event offers a unique opportunity “for our community to come together and get active”!
Coinciding with the Festival’s Parade Day, the Daffodil Festival 5K Challenge gives you the chance to run alongside the parade routes before the festivities themselves begin. With chosen 5K tracks in each city, and events occurring shortly before parade time, you can run your course, and sit back afterwards to enjoy the parade. Or, better still, you can undertake the complete Daffodil 5K Challenge, and run all four races – throughout all four cities – to take your place in the Parade itself! When there’s so much excitement to be a part of on Parade Day, having a 5K Challenge almost feels like it might get overshadowed. However, Kenna Erhardt – one of the volunteers in charge of organizing and promoting the Challenge - would disagree: “The 5K is just a whole different side of community involvement, and it is amazing to watch and be a part of... [it] is so unique.” For Kenna, volunteering with the Festival on Parade Day is an im-
portant means of keeping the spirit of the celebration going. “There is so much work and effort that goes into Parade Day that people don’t always see, and I think it’s important to lend a helping hand whenever you can to help benefit the community.” As 2013 Festival Queen, Kenna’s involvement reflects one of the strongest examples of the Festival’s more than 80 year legacy in the community: the network of dedicated alumnae who help make events like the Parade Day such a party! “Parade Day is a great opportunity for alumnae to be involved… it’s amazing to see so many alumnae come to the rescue, when someone reaches out and asks for volunteers.” Of course, plenty of those past Princess will be lining the routes of the 5K Challenge, as well, as “[m] any of the alumnae have graciously volunteered to help out on the day of the 5K Race.” Kenna notes that the levels of inclusion for the 5K Challenge bring out all kinds of skill levels – “from
beginning runners, to experienced runners, and even families.” One of the most notable examples of the diversity of those competing in the Challenge, is this year’s inclusion of MyTeam Triumph runners in the Puyallup leg of the race! MyTeam Triumph is a national non-profit organization, which seeks to “enrich the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities by fostering lasting, authentic relationships through the teamwork environment of endurance athletics.” About their participation in the 5K, Kenna says, “I know we are so excited to have the community come out and join us in cheering them on!” Each single race is a complete 5K, which means running all four routes in one day really is a challenge. That’s why the Festival has made sure that all brave souls embarking upon this particular adventure are celebrated accordingly! At the end of the Challenge, an award ceremony in Orting is held for all racers, who will be awarded
a medal by 2016 Daffodil Princesses at the finish line. And the royal treatment doesn’t stop there: all Challenge racers have the chance to walk in the Parade as well, behind the Daffodil Festival traveling float! Registration for a runner’s fee for a single race is $35 up until April 7th, when it then changes to $45 the day of the race, on April 9th. The full 5K Challenge runner’s fee is $80 until April 7th, and $95 the day of the race. You can register online or in-store at the South Sound Running stores in Tacoma and Puyallup. Participants who register before Parade Day receive a complimentary Nike Dri-Fit tee shirt in a vibrant yellow, to rock on the race routes the day of. You can also pick up a shirt when you register at the race on April 9th; however, availability is not guaranteed.
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and were waiting in the corner with their dad. I went over to them and asked if they wanted to dance with us, and the little one said ‘No!’ but the older one just said, ‘I can’t dance!’ I told him that I’d show him how. We did a couple of moves with a spin in there! It made me so happy, because his dad thanked me for getting him to break out of his shell. He had been crying under the table about how someone was going to go make him dance.”
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The Joys of the Boys and Girls Clubs BY SAVANNAH FRY Ask any Daffodil Princess about one of their favorite Festival partnerships, and they’ll tell you all about their experiences with some of our County’s smallest residents: the children they visit at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pierce County! While the Festival has been volunteering and making appearances at B&G Clubs for years now, it seems that the kids still can’t get enough of those big yellow dresses or sparkling tiaras. Princess Faviola Colmenares, from Washington High School, says that those gowns might have caused a bit of mistaken identity. “When we got there, it was really funny, because they said, ‘You’re back!’ and we said, ‘But we haven’t been here before!’ We just went with it…” Princess Kaitlin Nguyen, from Rogers High School, concurs. “All these kids, they know the yellow dress, but they don’t necessarily know me! They accept us with so much love, and they don’t really understand that I’m not the same Princess they met last year, but they adapt so quickly.” Despite the fact that, no, they might not be the same Princesses they’ve met before, some things really do stay the same… like the fact that you can never quite expect exactly what kids will say! Princess Emily Oliver, from Spanaway Lake High School, remembers a funny answer one girl gave to a question she’d asked. “There was a little girl, and I asked her what her favorite animal was. She said, ‘I like dinosaurs – I like t-rexes!’ so I asked her why, and she said, ‘Because they have big teeth. As big as bananas!’ I said, ‘Okay, I guess that’s true!’” Princess Faviola faced slightly odd answers as well, to the simple question of what kinds of homework kids had that evening. “We’d be helping them while they’d be working
on homework, and the funniest thing was, that they’d be making up homework that they said they had, just so they could spend more time with us!” This kind of fascination extended into other Princess activities, too, like having their posters of the Royal Court signed by each young woman. Princess Skylar Miller, from Sumner High School, says that it was never really just one poster per child. “The kids would come around, and they’d have us sign their posters… and then they’d end up coming back around, and they’d ask, ‘Can you sign this for my Mom?’ or ‘Can you sign this for my Dad?’ or ‘Can you sign this for ‘my sister,’ or ‘my teacher’!” Looking for a little regal advice, for how best to connect to young kids? Best hear it from a couple of experts, because Princess Shannon Dooley, from Orting High School, and Princess Maddie Meyer, from White River High School, might just have the answers you need. Princess Shannon says, “When interacting with children, you really have to adjust to their level. When you’re walking up a kid, you can gauge whether they’re scrambling away from you, or running up, and you have to adjust your own personality to meet theirs.” In what way? “Like if they’re softer or shy, you have to go in really soft and quiet, gently, because if you’re coming in strong when they’re shy, they’re just going to go behind Mom’s knees!” Princess Maddie agrees. “Kids are all different, but you definitely want to meet them at their own level. Kids aren’t going to want to approach you if you’re six feet tall, and they’re coming up to three feet! Get to eye level. Talk to them like regular people, almost like adults.” At the end of the day, Boys and Girls Clubs are just one more opportunity for the Princesses to interact with some of their biggest fans.
Daffodil Festival Sponsors Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino . Columbia Bank KING 5 Television . Washington State Fair . Nike South Sound Running Pierce County . City of Tacoma . City of Puyallup . City of Fife City of Sumner . City of Orting Additional Sponsors . Adriatic Grill Nordstrom . Knutson Farms . Sound Transit Port of Tacoma . Tacoma Weekly . The News Tribune Educators of the Year Sponsors Lexus of Tacoma in Fife . Pierce County Mustang Club Organizational Partners Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound . Pierce County Library Tacoma Library . YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties . Puyallup Library Emergency Food Network . Pierce County Parks . Multicare Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy . Pierce County Fire . United Way
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Thank you to all of the people who contribute time, money, and resources to the Daffodil Festival that limited space here did not allow them to be listed in this publication. The Daffodilians, Chaperones, and volunteers are the backbone of our organization.
Thank you to our Facility Sponsors for the Daffodil Parade
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