Roarin’ Rhody Royalty

“They’ll be expecting to bond close to each other and meet new people and help out in the community,” 2022 Queen Rhdodendra haylee Cole said on what this year’s Senior and Junior Court has in store for them as they prepare for the 116th Rhododendron Court Coronation.

This year’s Rhododendron festival Coronation will be held the Saturday before Rhody weekend on May the 13th, 2023. Ten outstanding seniors from Siuslaw and Mapleton High Schools will be competing for Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast.

On Coronation Night, join Masters of Ceremonies Matt Templeman, KEZI evening news anchor, and Melanie Heard, director of CROW, as they cheer on one young woman and one young man who will be crowned 2023 Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast. The exciting evening will be a showcase of talents, entertainment, and performances.

But to get to that point, the court has to accomplish a host of volunteering activities in the community, from speaking engagements at a host of civic and governemtnal organizations.

“We also did etiquette classes and speech classes to learn to talk in front of a crowd, because that’s what we did at almost every single event we went to,” Cole said.

To discover what the current court’s experience has been, the committee had each member fill out a questionaire on a variety of topics, from why they joined the court to their favorite experiences.

Sunshine Armer Siuslaw

Sunshine Armer is an experienced member of the Rhody Court, having previously served on the Junior Court.

She decided to apply to the Rhody Court to be involved in the community and because she looked up to the senior court when she was a Junior Court member.

“I was on the Jr. Court my fifth grade year, and I really looked up to the Senior Court,” she said.

During her time on the court, Sunshine says she and the rest of the court have participated in a lot of work around the community but she enjoyed the Rotary Auction the most.

She is proud of the role model she has been for young children in the community - esspecially Jasmine, the Junior Princess she is mentoring.

“She is such a mini me. I absolutely adore her,” Shunshine said. “She is the sweetest thing ever. I am truly blessed to have her as my Junior Princess.”

In addition to being a Princess,

Sunshine works at Dutch Bros., plays softball, and enjoys hiking.

After high school, Sunshine plans to attend Lane Community College to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Sunshine’s biggest role model is her grandmother Bonnie. Her grandfather, Jack Armer, is her escort for the coronation.

Eryn Morgan Siuslaw

Eryn Morgan joined the Rhody Court to gain experience with children and have the opportunity to perform.

“We have got to do amazing things I wouldn’t have got the opportunity to do otherwise,” she said of her time on the court.

She is proud to have improved her public speaking skills during her time on the court. Eryn has mentored Junior Princess Jasmine Quinn and enjoys spending time with her.

When she’s not a princess, Eryn is a member of C.R.O.W. and loves dancing and acting.

Her list of role models is long but her Grandpa Jerry and her Grandma Nancy are at or near the top of the list.

Eryn plans to obtain a degree in special education after high school. Her big brother Raven is her escort for the coronation.

Lucian Murphy Siuslaw

Lucian Murphy decided to apply for the Rhody Court after hearing about the wonderful experiences past courts have had, wanting to broaden his social skills and to gain more experiences.

“Being on the Rhody Court had been an amazing experience from beginning to end,” he said. “I have learned and experienced so many things that I would have missed out on had I not applied.”

Lucian is most proud of his increasing ability to publicly speak, which he never imagined he could do before joining the court. He has mentored Junior Princess Lincoln Moffett and finds it a lot of fun. Lucian enjoys hanging out with friends when he’s not be- ing a Rhody Prince.

- Junior Princesses Emerie Decker, Abigail Mills Lincoln Moffet, Jasmine Quinn and Savanna Scully.

“My role model over the past couple of years has been my wonderful wrestling coach and English teacher Mr. Wartnik,” Lucian said.

“He has taught me many great lessons, both in the classroom and on the mat. The most important lesson he taught me was how to use grit.”

After high school, Lucian plans to attend the University of Oregon with friends to obtain a degree in computer sciences and technology.

His escort for the coronation is his mother.

Ian Sissel Siuslaw

Ian Sissel decided to join the Rhody Court in hopes of being heavily involved in the community during the town’s biggest event of the year.

Being on the court has been busy but fun, allowing him to improve his public speaking skills and learn more about the inner workings of Rhody Days.

Ian’s proudest accomplishment while on the court is his improvement in interpersonal skills.

He has mentored Junior Princess Savannah Scully and plans on spending more time with her after his college visits.

“Savannah is really shy but also very sweet,” Iam said. “It has been really cool to be her mentor.”

Ian loves sports and can often be found playing or umpiring baseball during the Spring.

He works at Big Dog Donuts and Deli, plays the piano, reads, watches movies, and loves playing games with his friends and family. He also enjoys going to the river and lake.

Ian’s role model is his mom, Suzy Barstow.

“When my dad was overseas, serving in the Army, my mom was basically a single parent raising two very young children with a very demanding job,” Ian said. “My mom has always been there for my whole family.”

See COURT page 7

Coronation Info

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE EVENT WILL BE HELD THE WEEKEND BEFORE RHODY DAYS

Coronation will be held on Saturday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $15, plus a FEC processing fee. Tickets available at FEC, 715 Quince St. in Florence. They can also be found online at www.eventcenter.org, or by calling 541-997-1994.

COURT from page 6

Gillian Norton Siuslaw

“I was born and raised here and have very many memories of Rhody Days like the carnival, the food and the parade. Seeing my sister on the Rhody Court last year, I knew I wanted to be part of the experience and traditions,” Gillian Norton said when asked why she applied. “This adventure is something I’ll never forget.”

While on the Court, she has been able to meet many supportive people, learn how to write speeches, and gain confidence in her stage presence.

Her proudest achievement is being able to get up in front of a large crowd of people, while mentoring her Junior Princess, Lincoln, has been her favorite part.

She bonded with Prince Lucian and I from the start,” Gillian said. “When we all go on outings together, we always have so much fun. She is a little ray of sunshine and I’m so happy she is my Junior Princess.”

When she’s not a princess, she loves to cheer on her school’s football team and play basketball.

Her role models are her family, who have taught her that anything is possible with time and effort.

After high school, she plans to attend Western Oregon University to major in health and exercise science and continue cheering.

Her escort in the Coronation is her dad, Mike Norton.

Alex Goss Siuslaw

Alex Goss applied to the Rhody Court program after watching his sister become Queen in 2018.

“I got to hear all of her great stories from being a part of the court and I loved watching the coronation,” he said. “I knew that it was something I would have fun with while also putting me outside of my comfort zone, pushing me to grow.”

Being a part of the court has allowed him to grow his confidence and public speaking skills, and he has made new friends while having fun.

When he is not a Rhody Prince, Goss likes to learn new things, such as hobbies, instruments, and games, and spend time with his friends.

He looks up to his sister as his role model, who has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for him.

“She has achieved incredible things and always encourages me to strive for greatness too,” Alex said. “It is safe to say I wouldn’t be

“My role model is my grandpa, who was born in Mexico and eventually came to America with very little,” Caleb said. “But he got his GED and became a mechanic.”

Mary Jo Fontenot Siuslaw

Mary Jo Fontenot joined the Rhody Court to become more involved in her community.

has been awesome. She can be shy sometimes, so it’s been fun working with her to overcome that. I’m a tutor so I love helping people succeed.

My role model is my nanny. She’s always there to help and support me anyway she can.

After high school, I plan on attending college to get my teaching degree.

She is passionate about dance and baking.

She has enjoyed mentoring her junior princess.

Michaela plans to take online college courses to earn a degree in hospitality.

“My role model is my mom because she’s a great baker, great with animals (especially horses) and she’s been dealing with teenagers for almost 35 years because of youth ministry - and still isn’t bitter,” Michaela said.

She is very proud of the talent she will perform, as it’s her first ever solo and in a style of dance she’s never done. Her father Gary Butchart will be her escort at the coronation.

Tristan Stewart Mapleton

A friend of mine said that he was going to do it, and I said ‘I want to one up you and beat you,’” Tristan Stewart said when asked why he joined the court. “So then I applied for the court and here I am now.” where I am today without her influence. “

Goss is deciding between attending the Honors College at the University of Oregon or Oregon State University for either Business or Engineering after high school.

His escort in the Rhody Court Coronation was his mother, Trisha Holden.

Caleb Lewis Mapleton

Caleb Lewis joined the Rhody Court to broaden his experience and represent Mapleton.

Being a member of the Rhody Court has been fun and exciting for him, as he has gotten to meet new people and work on his public speaking skills.

Lewis was a mentor to a junior princess during the Rhody Court program but he has not been able to attend many events with his junior princess. He does love getting the opportunity to help teach and produce a healthy learning environment for kids.

After high school Lewis plans to work and begin classes to major in business, political science or prelaw.

“With the four years I’ve lived in Florence, I never really got a chance to spread out into the community,” she said.

Being a part of the Court has helped her to develop real-life skills, such as public speaking, which she is very proud of.

“I’ve really started to come out of my shell,” she said.

Mary Jo enjoys sports, particularly contact sports, and she plans to attend college to become a teacher.

My Junior Princess Abigail is amazing, and working with her

The 2022 Rhody Court Committee

Twelve members of the Siuslaw community are part of the effort to bring this year’s Rhododendron Court - and the entire Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Rhododendron Festival - “roaring’ to life. Members (Pictured) include -

Top Row, from left to right: Jennifer Waggoner, Deb Vander Bogart, Haylee Cole, Tamara Cole, Kay King, Alicia Hickson.

Math teacher/Basketball

Coach Aaron McNeill will be escorting her at the Coronation.

Michaela Butchart Siuslaw

Michaela Butchart is an aspiring event coordinator who joined the Rhody Court to get more involved in her community.

“....and also have an excuse to wear an evening gown,” she said.

“I love that I get to meet new people and get opportunities I wouldn’t get otherwise.”

He likes to play sports and spend time with friends, and he hopes to pursue higher education after high school.

Tristan’s proudest accomplishment has been working on his improving the talent he will perform.

He has not got the time he has hope thus far to spend with his Junior Princess because he lives in Mapleton.

Tristan’s role model is his father, and his escort for the Coronation is his aunt Jessica.

See JR COURT page 8

JR COURT from page 7

SAVANNA SCULLY SIUSLAW, 1ST GRADE

Savanna Scully wanted to become a princess to meet new people. As to what she’s enjoyed on the court, he answer was simple - “Everything.”

Savanna has had fun getting to know her Senior Princess and Prince.

When she is not a princess, Savanna enjoys gymnastics, reading, ballet, and art.

Her career aspiration is to become a waitress.

Savanna’s escort in the Coronation is her mom.

LINCOLN MOFFETT MAPLETON, 2ND GRADE

Lincoln Moffett became a princess on the Rhody Court “because I want to make friends. I have made lots of friends during my time on the court,” she said.

One of the best experiences she has had during her time on the to know the Senior Princess and Prince.

In her free time, she has a passion for horse riding, playing with friends and her aunt’s snake. She also enjoys playing Minecraft.

Looking to the future, Lincoln dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

Lincoln’s father is the one who will escort her during the Coronation.

EMERIE DECKER HOMESCHOOL, 3RD GRADE

Emerie Decker became a princess “to spread joy and make people smile - and my mom was a princess and a queen,” she said.

One of the best things she has done while on the Rhody Court is ice skating and attending the tea party.

Emerie has enjoyed getting to know her senior princess and prince and feels excited for when she is older.

When she is not a princess, Emerie likes to bake, do crafts, color,

She aspires to become a baker and teach kids to bake in the future.

Emerie’s dad, Adam Decker, is escorting her to the coronation.

JASMINE QUINN SIUSLAW, 4TH GRADE

Jasmine Quinn is glad to be a

She has enjoyed participating in events such as tea parties at Lovejoy’s and ice skating.

She has also formed a close bond with her Senior Princess and Prince, whom she describes as very nice.

Outside of her princess duties, Jasmine enjoys reading, drawing,

At the upcoming Coronation, she will be escorted by her father, Patrick Quinn.

ABIGAIL MILLS SIUSLAW, 5TH GRADE

Abigail Mills’ desire to become a princess was fueled by the opportunity to get closer to the community, make new friends, and build self-confidence.

“The best thing I have done with the Rhody Court was our Sea Lions Cave visit,” Abigail said. “I always wanted to visit. We all had to squeeze in the elevator. I had a lot of fun watching the sea lions.”

Abigail looks up to her Senior Princess Mary Jo Fontenot and Prince Tristan Stewart, who serve as mentors for her.

Outside of her princess duties, Abigail enjoys playing soccer, weightlifting, playing the piano, drawing, writing stories, and going to the beach.

In the future, Abigail hopes to become a Marine Biologist and a part-time artist.

Abigail’s dad will be escorting

BY SIUSLAW PIONEER MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS

1911 Maypole Then And First Street Now

The Maypole was one of many activities held during the 1911 Rhododendron Festival. Other activities included the boat parade, carnival, athletic games, horse race, and coronation. The Maypole took place on Main Street which is now called First Street. Once a major thoroughfare, the part of First Street is now a quiet area of Historic Old Town Florence.

School Parade And Maple Street Now

The 1912 Rhododendron Day Festival began in Mapleton where the queen lived. She and the royal party traveled by boat to Acme, picked up the Florence band and traveled on to Florence.

School children from all over the Siuslaw region gathered in Florence and, along with the band, paraded from Florence High School to the 1912 Rhododendron Festival grounds. Each group of children proudly represented their school with a school banner.

The children participated in a program of musical numbers, drills, recitations, speeches and ended with a Maypole dance. Other activities included the boat parade, band concert, dance, basketball game and carnival.

Today the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is housed in the building that was once Florence High School.

Most festival goers arrived via boat to the early Rhododendron Festivals as there were few roads to the outlying areas. Groups of people would walk from the docks to the Festival grounds in almost a parade like fashion, as pictured.

Today that area has a small park with a gazebo and a business called the Uncommon Collective, a “veritable smorgasbord of creativity, imagination and inspiration.

Festival Stage And The Florence Playhouse Now

Many of the activities of the 1914 Rhododendron Festival took place on a spectacular, rhododendron covered festival stage. The court arrived by boat. Activities included a baseball game, water carnival with decorated floats, a dance, banquet and a clam bake.

Today this same location houses the Florence Playhouse, which is in the midst of a remodel. When done, a dinner theater with a basement bar is planned for the facilities.

BY SIUSLAW PIONEER MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS "NOW" PHOTOS BY JIM HAYS

Happy Rhody Days!

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