Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Five vie for Manson Apple Blossom crown

Selection night set for February 1

Queen candidates for the 2025 Manson Apple Blossom Festival's "Legends of the Lake" celebration pose at Lake Chelan. Kneeling: Isabella Alexander (left) and Genesis Torres; standing: Andrea Rodriguez, Brynn Williams and Yanitza Farias. The selection event is Feb. 1 at Manson High School.
Queen candidates for the 2025 Manson Apple Blossom Festival's "Legends of the Lake" celebration pose at Lake Chelan. Kneeling: Isabella Alexander (left) and Genesis Torres; standing: Andrea Rodriguez, Brynn Williams and Yanitza Farias. The selection event is Feb. 1 at Manson High School.
COURTESY OF MANSON APPLE BLOSSOM COMMITTEE
Posted

MANSON - Five local high school students are vying for the crown as the 105th annual Manson Apple Blossom Festival approaches, with the selection night scheduled for Saturday, February 1, at Manson High School.

The candidates - Isabella Alexander, Genesis Torres, Andrea Rodriguez, Brynn Williams, and Yanitza Farias - will compete for the title of Manson Apple Blossom Queen, with the community invited to participate in the voting process.

This year's festival, themed "Legends of the Lake," will take place May 9-10, continuing a tradition that has been a cornerstone of the Lake Chelan Valley community since 1920. The selection night event, beginning at 6:30 p.m., is open to the public with admission set at $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free entry for children 5 and under.

The festival, which celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage and the arrival of spring in North Central Washington, brings together residents and visitors for two days of community activities. According to the Manson Apple Blossom Committee, the queen and her court will serve as ambassadors for the festival and the greater Manson area throughout their reign.

Meet the candidates:

Isabella Alexander

Isabella Alexander
Isabella Alexander

Isabella Alexander is the daughter of Tom and Alicia Alexander. She has one sister, Bianca (25).

Isabella has demonstrated remarkable academic achievement throughout her high school years. She earned a spot on the Honor Roll for grades 9th-11th, reflecting her consistent dedication and hard work. In 2023, she was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy, showcasing her proficiency in Spanish and English. Additionally, she participated in the College in High School program, successfully completing 30 college credits further highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and her readiness for higher education. 

Isabella has been a passionate athlete, participating in both softball and volleyball throughout her high school years. She played softball 11th grade and plans on playing this year. She earned a varsity letter her junior year for her dedication, leadership, and consistent contribution to the team. In volleyball, Isabella played all four years and was recognized for her leadership and positive attitude, being voted Most Inspirational her sophomore year. In her senior year, she was honored with the role of team captain, a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the respect she earned from her teammates. She was voted Most Valuable Player for her team as well. 

She has actively participated in a variety of extra-curricular activities throughout her high school years, demonstrating leadership and commitment in each. During 10th-12th grade, she has been involved in FFA, earning multiple 1st Place Blue Ribbons for her contributions. This year, she became a Mini Mentor, guiding and inspiring younger students. Isabella has been a member of Raza Latina Club during 11th and 12th grade, this year she took on the role of Vice-President. Through this club, she has had the opportunity to share and celebrate her own culture with others. Additionally, she contributed to the Yearbook Committee her junior year and currently she is serving as Co-Editor, showcasing her creative skills and dedication to capturing memories for her school community.

Isabella enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests that reflect her caring and creative nature. She treasures spending time with her family and friends, especially her two-year-old niece, Amelia, with whom she shares a special bond. Isabella also has a passion for music, often listening to her favorite tunes in her free time. She loves doing nails, swimming to stay active, and baking to express her creativity. She also has a strong passion for animals and enjoys caring for them, reflecting her nurturing personality.

When asked why she would like to be a part of the Apple Blossom Royalty, Isabella shares, “I’ve always dreamed of being involved as Apple Blossom Royalty. As a little girl, I watched my family members proudly represent our community in the parades. The joy and excitement they showed left a lasting impression on me, and I felt a deep sense of pride, knowing that one day, I too could have the opportunity to give back to my loving community and carry on that cherished legacy.”

Isabella plans to attend beauty school to become an esthetician as she wants to help others become confident and love themselves for who they are. She would love to return to her community to give people the confidence and self-love they deserve, values that have been embedded in her.

Isabella enjoys watching Pretty Little Liars, a show that captivates her with its intriguing plot twists and complex characters, which mirror her own love for mystery and problem-solving. 

Yanitza Farias

Yanitza Farias
Yanitza Farias

Yanitza Farias the daughter of Daniel Farias and Maria Zaragoza. She is the oldest daughter of 4 kids, her two sisters Yadira (16), Yaneli (10), and baby Daniel (10 months).

Yanitza is a dedicated and well-rounded individual with a strong academic background and a passion for leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities.

In the realm of academics, Yanitza completed a course on Digital Communication Tools through WVC in Spring 2023. This year she enhanced her education with a focus on speech through Eastern Washington University (EWU). Courses she took with the College in the Classroom Program. These courses have contributed to her communication skills and digital literacy. 

Throughout high school, Yanitza has actively been involved in community service. She participated in various activities such as the Haunted House from 9th-12th grade, Día Del Niño set-up in 11th grade, and Spring Community Clean-Up from 9th-12th grade. Yanitza proudly carried the arch for the 2024 Manson Apple Blossom Royalty at the Pageant her junior year. 

In extracurricular activities, Yanitza is an active member of various clubs and sports teams. She joined FFA (Future Farmers of America) in 11th grade and took on the role of FFA Reporter. She is also a member of Cat Club, and Raza Latina Club, which she has been part of since 2023 and 2024. Yanitza played volleyball from 9th-11th grade and softball from 10th-11th as well as going into her senior year, where she has demonstrated strong leadership skills and athletic abilities. Her dedication to softball earned her the Golden Glove Award in 2024 and the Coaches Award in 2023. These awards reflect Yanitza’s hard work, teamwork, and commitment to the sport.

Yanitza’s internships have provided her with valuable work experience. She interned at Manson Bay’s Coffee Shop and at Adan & Tina’s Salon in Chelan, where she learned about the nail care industry.

In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Yanitza has also gained work experience through her role at Caritas Felices Daycare from 2021 to 2024, where she cared for children and developed strong interpersonal skills.

When asked why she wants to be a part of the Manson Apple Blossom royalty, Yanitza states, "I've always looked up to the Apple Blossom Queens and princesses, dreaming of one day becoming one of them. I want to be a part of the Apple Blossom royalty experience, not only to inspire younger girls who also dream of this opportunity, but also to make a positive impact on my community."

Yanitza plans to attend a two-year college to earn her AA in early childhood education. Afterward, she intends to return to her community and open a daycare.

Yanitza’s favorite novel is “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Erika Sánchez. As she read this book, she felt a strong connection and can truly relate to its content through her family roots. Her favorite show is Modern Family for its relatable characters and humorous portrayal of family dynamics. 

Andrea Rodriguez

Andrea Rodriguez
Andrea Rodriguez

Andrea Rodriguez is the daughter of Candelaria Fernandez Mendoza and Adan Leon Alcantara. She has one brother, Alejandro (17) and two sisters, Ximena (9), and Mairanny (7).

Throughout her high school years, Andrea has been actively involved in both academics and athletics, showcasing her dedication and leadership. She participated in cheerleading during her 10th-12th grades, earning the prestigious Leadership Award two years. She has demonstrated her leadership skills by serving as the Captain of the Cheerleading team for all three years. In addition, she joined the softball team in her 11th grade, contributing her skills and teamwork. Her love for sports also extended to volleyball, where she played in her 9th and 12th grades, demonstrating her versatility and commitment across multiple sports.

Andrea has been deeply engaged in various extracurricular activities during her high school years, demonstrating a strong commitment to personal growth and community involvement. In her senior year, she joined the Mini Mentors Club and the RAZA Latina Club, where she actively contributed to fostering connections and celebrating cultural heritage. She has also been a dedicated member of the Yearbook Club, participating in both her 11th and 12th grades, where she helped capture and preserve cherished school memories. 

Additionally, her involvement in Future Farmers of America (FFA) during her junior and senior years highlights her interest in agriculture and leadership development.

Andrea is a hardworking and creative individual with many hobbies and interests. She has been working since 9th grade, demonstrating her dedication and responsibility in her year-round job. She enjoys helping her community, cooking, and creating art or building things. She also loves planning and organizing events, showing her talent for bringing ideas to life.

When asked about her motivation for aspiring to become Apple Blossom Royalty, Andrea explains, “Being part of the Apple Blossom Royalty would allow me to engage more with the community and give me the opportunity to give back to them as well. It would also enable me to demonstrate leadership to future generations, especially as a role model for my younger siblings.”

Andrea's future plans include studying at Wenatchee Valley College for her first two years. After completing those two years, she hopes to transfer to a university or another college to further her education. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, with a focus on becoming an Ultrasound Technician or Radiologist. In addition to her studies, she plans to continue working as a manager at The Landing Ice Cream Parlor.

Andrea has a love for storytelling, with her favorite TV show being Grey’s Anatomy and her favorite novel, The Hate U Give, both of which reflect her interest in meaningful narratives and complex characters.



Genesis Torres

Genesis Torres
Genesis Torres

Genesis Torres, daughter of Ruth Escalera and Raymundo Torres, and older sister to Aaliyah Torres (14), is a high-achieving student and a leader at heart. Through advanced courses in the College in the High School program, she has earned over 70 credits, demonstrating her academic dedication. Genesis has been an active member of the National Honor Society since her junior year and has consistently made the Honor Roll. 

As a leader, Genesis serves as yearbook editor, captain of the varsity volleyball and tennis teams, and president of the Raza Latina Club, where she proudly champions cultural diversity and advocates for her peers. She also represents student voices on the Superintendent Student Advisory Board and has held roles as Class Treasurer and Vice President of the Interact Club, a community service group. 

Genesis’s extracurricular involvement highlights her diverse talents. She is a dedicated multi-sport athlete, competing on the varsity volleyball team since her freshman year and on the varsity tennis team for three years. In Tennis, she has been recognized as MVP, led her team to a 2nd place State finish, and achieved 3rd place at State in doubles. In volleyball, she was named WIAA Athlete of the Week, received three 1st Team All-State honors, and earned multiple All-League awards. Notably, Genesis played a key role in her team’s historic state championship win—the first in school history. She continued to excel in her senior year of volleyball receiving 1st Team All-League and All-State honors, making the All-State Tournament team, and voted Co-MVP by her teammates. Additionally, she helped lead her team to win another state championship.

Beyond academics and athletics, Genesis is committed to community service. She has volunteered both locally and abroad, with an upcoming service trip to Guatemala, and has supported various causes through her church and school, including Manson Mini Mentors, community clean-ups, and the back-to-school fair. She interned with Chelan Valley Thrive and is actively involved in events like Cultural Celebration Night, and the Chelan Valley Hope Drive. 

Genesis’s numerous honors, including the Seal of Biliteracy and the Citizenship Award, reflect her dedication to excellence across her pursuits. 

She plans to attend a four-year university and pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. Outside of her busy schedule, she enjoys watching Grey’s Anatomy, listening to music and spending time with her family. 

On running for Manson Apple Blossom Royalty, Genesis shared, “Growing up in this community, I have always admired the spirit, tradition, and sense of togetherness that the Apple Blossom Festival represents. For me, running for Apple Blossom Royalty is not just about the honor of representing Manson, but about giving back to the community that has shaped me into the person I am today.” 



Brynn Williams

Brynn Williams
Brynn Williams

Brynn Williams is the daughter of Favi and Nathan Williams. She has three siblings: two brothers, Rhys (19) and Quinn (16), and a sister, Abby (14). 

Brynn has earned numerous academic honors, including a place on the Scholastic Honor Roll. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, holds an impressive class rank of 3rd, and will be earning 80 college credits through dual enrollment, showcasing her dedication and commitment to academic excellence.

She is a dedicated athlete with a diverse sports background. She played high school tennis 10th and 11th grade, basketball in 9th and 12th grade, and has participated in volleyball throughout high school. Brynn earned a Sportsmanship Award at the 2023 and 2024 State Volleyball tournaments, a Spirit Award in tennis during her junior year, and served as JV volleyball team captain from 9th to 11th grade. She has received varsity letters in volleyball, tennis, and basketball, was MVP of the JV volleyball team from 9th to 11th grade, and competed with the Kahiau Volleyball Club in 9th and 10th grade and the Kbeach Volleyball Club from 9th to 11th grade. Notably, Brynn's High School team became the 2B State Volleyball Champions in 2023 and 2024.

Brynn is deeply committed to a variety of extracurricular activities. Since 2018, she has been an active member of both the Youth Group and Small Group at Real Life Church, and in 2020, she took on a leadership role by joining the Student Action Leadership Team. This year, Brynn also contributed to her school community through the Mini Mentors program. Additionally, from 2021 to 2024, she has participated in annual mission trips with Real Life Church, demonstrating her dedication to service and community engagement.

Brynn has a wide range of hobbies and interests that keep her active and engaged. She loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys swimming and ice skating. She’s also passionate about fitness and makes working out a regular part of her routine. Brynn has been dedicated to club volleyball and finds deep fulfillment in the missionary work she has experienced.

When asked why she aspires to be Manson Apple Blossom Royalty, Brynn shared, “Ever since I was young, I looked up to the Apple Blossom Royalty and knew I wanted to be part of something so unique and special. Giving back to our amazing community and serving as a role model for younger generations are values I hold deeply, and I hope to fulfill them as royalty.”

Brynn plans to attend a four-year university after high school, though she is still exploring her academic path and is considering either education or interior design as potential fields of study. Ultimately, she hopes to return to the valley, where she can contribute to the community that has shaped her.

Brynn enjoys watching Full House for its heartwarming family dynamics and humor, while the novel The Hunger Games resonates with her due to its strong, determined characters and its thrilling, thought-provoking storyline.



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