January 31, 2010

Manson Senior, Alejandra Mendivil was chosen Queen of the 90th Manson Apple Blossom Festival in a fun communinty evening, last night at Manson High School.

Her Princesses will be Seniors Bronte Toolson and Marlene Gonzales.

Manson High School proudly hosted the 90th annual Manson Apple Blossom Festival Selection.

Family and friends of the candidates waited with excitement as the gym filled up, looking at the beautiful decorations on the stage and listening to the lovely music filling the air, waiting to see the candidates and what they have prepared for us. This year’s theme for the Manson Apple Blossom is Country Pride, and the girls have come prepared to show us their Country Pride.





The evening started with the National Anthem sung by Ally Paige. The Senior class co-Vice Presidents Schuyler Neff and Phaedra Castro welcomed the large crowd then introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Steele, the director of the Lake Chelan Chamber. Mike introduced this year’s judges, the visiting royalty from Lake Chelan and the Chelan Rodeo, past royalty and Queen Kelsey, Princess Whitni and Princess Marci, our returning Royalty. The proud parents of the candidates were also introduced.

Alejandra Mendivil escorted by Rolando Alejo, was the first candidate to be introduced. Following were Eva Escoto with her escort Cameron Hodges, Jacque Hernandez with escort Miguel Valencia, Monica Sanchez with her escort Schuyler Neff, Bronte Toolson escorted by Adan Zaragoza, Marlene Gonzales escorted by Alejandro Escalera, and Veronica Vanderholm escorted by Ivan Cortez.

Ally Mendivil used comedy to show her country pride. Ally spoke about how proud she is to live in a close community, how everyone knows each other and cares for each other. Eva Escoto is happy to live in a place where the products of this community can be found everywhere around the world, even though they might not know where Manson is they will be part of Manson. Monica Sanchez told how Manson is the perfect place to live, where time stands still for her not like the big city rush. Bronte Toolson related fishing memories that created tradition for her family here in Manson. Marlene Gonzales showed us the color of Manson’s seasons that bring us together; and how she is not only proud of her town but also her roots and country. Roni Vanderholm shared her feelings of moving to a new place, being welcomed by the community which created country pride for her.

The impromptu question “This is the 90th annual festival. Why do you think the tradition has lasted so long?” Ally stated that the festival is a team effort and the whole community has done their part to put it together. Eva said tradition is the reason the festival is still celebrated. Jacque mentioned that the closeness of the community has kept the tradition going. This event brings everyone in the community together was Monica’s response. Bronte stated that the event bring everyone in the community together. Marlene Gonzales said the tradition has lasted so long because the Manson Apple Blossom Festival is a way to show the other communities what Manson has to offer. Roni Vanderholm stated the community effort keeps the tradition going.

The button design winners were 3rd place Roberto Garcia, 2nd place Sulema Busion, 1st place Brenda Lopez---all 5th graders.

After intermission the candidates and their escorts entertained the crowd with their amazing dance. Ally Paige Sang “Warwick Avenue” followed by the Manson Jazz Cats performing a couple of numbers.

The 2009 Royalty thanked the Manson community, schools and Apple Blossom Committee for their activities. The slide show highlighted their many experiences.

The scholarship for $200 to the escort (chosen by the candidates) went to Schuyler Neff and the scholarship to the candidate went to Marlene Gonzales.

Finally the wait was over, the 2010 royalty are princess Marlene Gonzales and Princess Bronte Toolson and Queen Alejandra Mendivil. Congratulation 2010 Manson Apple Blossom Royalty.

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Alejandra (Ally) Mendivil is the daughter of Alvaro & Isabel Mendivil. She has two brothers, Alvaro, Jr. and Alberto.

Ally’s Honor’s that she has received during her High School years include: 4 yr. Varsity Letter, All-league Honorable Mention in Defense, and Most Inspirational ~ all in Soccer. She received a 2yr. Varsity Letter in Softball; 2 yr. Varsity Letter and Leadership Award in Music; Citizenship Award for 3 yrs.; has been on the Honor Roll; Best of show in Regional Art Festival for her Pottery Piece; Ally was an Apple Blossom Button Design Runner-up; Apple Blossom Button design Best in Class; She was a 2008 & 2009 National Fine Arts Participant; Received the Northern Pacific Latin America District Fine Arts Award of Merit; and was ranked amongst the top 5 National Fine Art’s Participants.

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Bronte Toolson is the daughter of Kurt and Shannon Toolson. Bronte has two brothers, Paul and Joe.

Bronte’s Honors that she has received during her High School years include: In Soccer, was All-League 2nd Team the past 2 yrs, Received a Varsity Letter the past 2 yrs, and was Team Captain. In Track, Bronte was voted Most Improved & received a Varsity Letter; She has been on the Honor Roll the past 3 yrs, and is a member of the National Honor Society, serving as President her Jr. year; Bronte has received an Academic Award; Was Homecoming Queen; and in Art Bronte has received the Best of Show Award at the Manson Apple Blossom Student Art Exhibit for the past 2 yrs, and placed 1st in Drawing.

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Marlene Gonzales is the daughter of Elias and Virginia Gonzales. Marlene has five brothers: Daniel; Fernando; Elias; Omar & Jose Antonio and three sisters: Elizbeth; Jessica & Nellie.

Marlene’s Honor’s received while attending High School include:
ASB Historian; Freshman Class President; She is currently a member of the National Honor Society Club; Marlene has received the Presidential Award and the High Honor Roll Award.

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GoLakeChelan wants to say a special thanks to Terry Urness and Nancy Miller for photos of the special evening. Below are some of Terry's early releases.

Return To Story Click On Photos Below To View Enlargement Photos By Terry Urness

Note - These and other photos from 'Selection Night will be available on GoLakeChelan's Broadstripe Cable TV Channel 16 (GLCTV-16).

And video highlights from our live broadcast of the evening will also be featured on GLCTV-16 and here on-line.

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The final farewells from last year's royalty and then ....
Announcing the Princesses
Marlene Gonzales and Bronte Toolson

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Announcing Queen Alejandra Mendivil