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Past International Queens and Pictures

 

Past International Queens
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Elizabeta Kirev Nickoloff
1999
Macedonia

Macedonian princess named International Festival's queen

By SARA ERRINGTON, Morning Journal Writer, 06/23/1999

LORAIN -- Macedonian Princess Elizabeta Kirev Nickoloff was crowned queen of this year's Lorain International Festival at the culmination of last night's Princess Pageant at the Palace Civic Center.

Miss Nickoloff, a 1999 Elyria High School graduate who plans to major in molecular genetics at Ohio State University, was sponsored by St. Clement Macedonian Orthodox Church of Ohrid.

'Although Macedonia is small in size and population, it holds strong to its ancient traditions and customs,' said Miss Nickoloff. 'It is with pride that I carry on these traditions.'

Her parents, Kire and Kivca Nickoloff, immigrated to the United States from Macedonia in the 1970s.

Miss Nickoloff wore a slim, cream-colored woolen costume with black, gold, red and green embroidered trim. She succeeds last year's Queen, Puerto Rican Princess Natalie M. Soto.

As the tearful Miss Soto took her final walk along the stage, she thanked friends, family and God, for a lifetime of support.

'It has been a blessing to represent the Puerto Rican community,' she said, adding that the honor of being chosen Queen has increased her pride in her heritage.

This year's first runner-up is Jeri Leigh Siss, German Princess, sponsored by the German American Association. Miss Siss is a 1999 Lorain Catholic High School graduate.

Carlie Alicea, Mexican Princess, was chosen second runner-up. A 1999 Lorain Southview High School graduate, she was sponsored by the Mexican American Citizen's Club.

Rounding out the Queen's Court is Polish Princess Kelly Gargasz, the third runner-up, sponsored by the Amherst Rotary Club. Miss Gargasz graduated from Firelands High School in 1999.

The Queen and her Court, along with the Lochaber Pipe Band, All Nations Flags, the Rev. Jimmy Madsen and Lorain Mayor Joseph Koziura will open the International Festival and Bazaar at 5 p.m. today at the Centre of Sheffield.

2000 - 0

 

Natasha Reidy 
2000
Ukraine

Natasha Reidy crowned Lorain International Festival Queen

CRAIG RIMLINGER Morning Journal Writer, 06/23/2000

LORAIN -- Natasha Neonila Reidy, representing the Ukrainian community, was crowned Lorain International Festival Queen at last night's 34th Annual Princess Pageant.

"I'm very excited and thankful for all of the pushing my family did to keep me involved in the Ukrainian community,' Natasha said after being crowned. 'They did everything for me."

Reidy's cousin, Tina Pohuliaj, was crowned queen in 1997.
Reidy, from Lorain, said the International Festival and pageant is something she has always wanted to be a part of.

"I've been to the pageant ever since I was a little girl, and when my cousin was crowned in '97, it made me want to be part of it even more," she said.

The new queen and her court will be making daily appearances all weekend at the International Festival and Bazaar in downtown Lorain. They also will be prominently featured in Sunday's parade.

The young women who are in Reidy's court include: Tana R. Koos (Hungarian), first runner-up; Lindsey Brown-Wright (Lebanese), second runner-up; and Andrea Wallis Boron (Polish), third runner-up.
Koos was elated over her crowning as first runner-up.

"It's just unbelievable -- it's like this big, magical dream," she said. "I don't think it's set in yet."

A spirited crowd at the Palace Civic Center cheered throughout the evening as the Lorain International princesses competed to become festival queen.

Once the young women walked down the middle aisles and reached the stage at the beginning of the pageant, they introduced themselves to the audience. Most began by delivering a message in the language of the nationality they represented before continuing in English.

The introductions were followed by entertainment that included all of the princesses performing the Russian dance the Troika. Russia is the featured nationality during this year's festival.

The Troika was followed by individual and small-group performances, which included singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.
Ruth Donovan of Sheffield Lake was one of the hundreds in attendance. She was on hand to support her daughter, Elaine Donovan Herrero, who represented the Puerto Rican community.

"I'm excited for my daughter. Even if she doesn't win, I'm very proud of her because she is representing my heritage -- the Puerto Rican heritage."

Channel 5 WEWS-TV weather forecaster Susan Davies and David Macgregor, a past president of the festival, co-hosted the event for the fourth straight year.

"I have lived in a lot of cities as we do in television, and I have yet to find a pageant as unique as this one," Davies said.

Each of the pageant winners will receive both a scholarship and a cash award from First Federal Savings of Lorain.

 

Christina H. Smith
2001
Greece

Royalty a family tradition

RON VIDIKA, Morning Journal Writer, 06/23/2001

Helen (Thesla) Smith, left, the 1972 queen, is seen with her daughters Christina, the 2001 queen, and Julia, third runner-up in 1997. (Paul Walsh)

A royal family lives in Oberlin. Christina M. Smith, 18, who was selected as this year's queen of the Lorain International Festival on Thursday night, is the daughter of a past International Festival queen and the younger sister of a former International Festival princess.

Smith's mother, who was known then as Helen Thelas, is a 1969 graduate of Lorain High School and, like Smith, was a Greek princess when crowned the 1972 queen.

Sister, Julia Smith, 21, served as a princess representing the Greek community during the 1997 International Princess Pageant and was third runner-up in the contest.

"I feel like the Queen Mom," laughed their mother. "It has been almost 30 years since I was queen and it's a wonderful feeling of deja vu."

As for the 2001 queen, Christina said her crowning was "amazing," adding "I was talking to my boyfriend after the pageant had concluded and I still could not believe that I'd won."

Asked what she felt put her over the top in vying against 28 other princesses for the title, Christina said, "I think it was my interview. I feel I came across as an intelligent person and made it clear to them (the three judges) that school was the most important thing to me in my life."

Christina, who graduated in June from Oberlin High School, said she plans to attend the Ohio State Agricultural and Technical Institute to major in horse production and management.

The Lorain International Festival is an annual event that the entire Smith family is always involved with, said Julia.

"Since age 7, I've gone to the pageants and helped out the other girls that have entered the pageants. At the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox School, we'd do plays and dancing. I was never big into plays, but I was good at Greek dancing. So, my sister and I would perform in a dance group at the festival," said Julia.

"It doesn't kill me to know my sister won and I didn't," Julia said with a laugh about the title of queen. "I think it's wonderful for her and I'm hoping she's happy with herself. It was taking a toll on her, stress-wise, and she was getting pretty stressed out near the end of the festival, right before the pageant," said Julia.

When she won Thursday night, Christina said, "My palms were sweating and I was trying not to fidget."

As 2001 queen, Christina gets a $1,000 scholarship, a check for $250 to spend as she pleases, a special Lorain International pin accented in diamonds, a golden necklace and the silver tiara that she wore proudly on stage at the Lorain Palace Civic Center Thursday night as she was named queen.

Christina said, "My mom really pushed me to do this, but in a nice way. I wanted to do it to make her proud and happy of me, so I did it for my mom."

More Stories

 

MaryBeth Morris
2002
Russia

Russian princess is named Lorain International Queen

By Darlene Brown, Morning Journal Correspondent, June 29, 2002

LORAIN - A capacity crowd held its breath last night as the envelope was opened to announce the Lorain International Pageant queen, then the silence was broken as MaryBeth Morris, the Russian princess, walked away with the crown.

Morris was flanked by her court, Sarah Wozniak, Welsh, first runner-up; Allison Wright, Scottish, second runner-up; Amber Mitchell, Belgian, third runner-up; and Miss Diversity Lisette Lopez, Puerto Rican.

The remaining 33 princesses at the 36th Annual Princess Pageant, one of the largest in recent years, surrounded the new queen and her court, as tears flowed within their personal circle.

Morris, 17, had tears of joy blending in her with her makeup.
"Everything I have done (in the pageant) has been wonderful leading up to this moment," Morris said between sobs. "This is the most incredible moment I ever thought possible.

"I've wanted to be a princess since I was six years old when I attended a pageant and met a Russian princess who inspired me."

It had been a rigorous day for all the girls who appeared in individual interviews with three members of the All American Judges, who came from various parts of northern Ohio. None were from Lorain.

The judges sequestered themselves during last night's intermission to go through a process of elimination. Their decision of winners was based on poise, costumes, stage presence and each girl's knowledge of her culture.

Co-sponsors of scholarships came from First Federal Savings and Loan, and Adelphia Cable. The queen received $1,000; first runner-up, $500; second runner-up, $300; and third runner-up $200.

Adelphia also presented each princess with a video of the entire ceremony Bendix gave a first-time award to a non-finalist, in the amount of $500.

Co-hosting the pageant was Susan Davies of WEWS-TV and local businessman David MacGregot.

"At the onset of applications for the pageant we had 42 applicants, but five dropped because of conflict of schedules," said Paul Chet, who with Donna Ksenich was in charge of the pageant.

"This is a very large pageant this year," she said.

Chet said six of the girls participating last night had appeared in the 2001 pageant and enjoyed it so much they wanted to return.

Special recognition was made of several past queens and princesses in the audience. The 1978 Green Queen Helen Thelas attended.

In the opening ceremony, the princesses filed down the two center aisles of the large theater to cheers and whistles from family and friends.

The large number of princesses participating forced the introduction segment to be in two. Each young lady introduced herself, and circled the stage as the hosts described her costumes and personal nationality backgrounds.

The outfits were stunning and colorful as the girls came together near the end to form a semi-circle as some of their peers showed off their talent in the entertainment portion.

The talent segment was sandwiched in between the fabulous entertainment opening with all the girls performing the Croatian KOLO Dance, and ending with the charming participants singing "There's a Hero," in remembrance of the law enforcement and firefighter men and women and causalities during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

The entire pageant will be telecast on Channel 2, Lorain and Sheffield Township, on 4 to 6 p.m. July 3; 6 to 8 p.m. July 5; noon to 2 p.m. July 6; and 2 to 4 p.m. July 7.

 

Jackalyn Velasquez
2003
Polish

Polish princess named queen of Lorain festival

BRIAN BARDWELL Morning Journal Writer, 06/27/2003

LORAIN -- A Polish princess is now the Queen of Lorain.

During last night's Lorain International Festival Princess Pageant, Jackalyn Velasquez was crowned queen.

"Someone has to pinch me, because I still don't believe it," she said.

"I didn't want to go forward when the called me. I was thinking, ÔDid they just say my name?"'

Her court includes first and second runners-up Ana Rivera and Sara Pedraza, both Mexican princesses, and third runner-up Kelly Rupp, a German princess.

The queen and her court were crowned by last year's International Festival and Bazaar court after two hours of ethnically diverse pageantry.

The event, held at the Lorain Palace Civic Center, started with an introduction to the 31 contestants, who shared stories of their background and heritage and showcased their costumes.

Lorain International Bazaar Co-President Frank Sipkovsky says that the event, the 37th annual festival and bazaar, is an important event for Lorain, which he called an "amalgam of cultures."

"In coming years, it's going to be a lost heritage because of kids not taking part in their pasts."

The festival allows children to take part in that heritage, he says, by learning about it, researching it and making it something to proud of.

"This is the premiere event every year in Lorain," Mayor Craig Foltin said while watching the contestants introduce themselves.

"The recent success and growth is a symbol of the new pride that surrounds this community."

The queen was selected after interviews with judges, a song and a dance performed by all the princesses together, as well as a talent show.

The princesses were judged on poise, presentation, audience rapport and knowledge of their heritage.

"If you have confidence and you show everyone who you are, then you can win," Velasquez said.

The princesses brought a broad array of talents to the stage, including Irish dancing, tribal dancing, poetry recital, piano performances and singing.

Velasquez performed "My Little Poland" on her clarinet, accompanied by a fife player.

Rivera and Pedraza performed together in a Tex-Mex dance, and Kelly Rupp did a Hungarian dance.

 

Hilary Hoak
2004
Hungary

Hungarian princess Hilary Hoak crowned queen

BRIAN BARDWELL Morning Journal Writer, 06/25/2004

LORAIN -- This year's International Festival queen is Hungarian Hilary Hoak, who, like her court, couldn't believe she had been chosen. "I went numb," she said. "I was like, 'Is this real?"'

Hoak, a 17-year-old student at Amherst Steele High School, said that she's been preparing for the pageant for months -- inspired by her grandmother and helped by her family, friends and church -- but she's been waiting for it for most of her life.

"I've gone to the pageant since I was a little girl," she said, and after seeing Ildiko Szucs, another Hungarian, win in 1992, "I wanted to be exactly like her. And I am." She is sponsored by the Lorain Hungarian Reformed Church.

This is the fourth time a Hungarian princess has won the pageant, tying it with the Irish for the best-represented nationality among International Festival queens.

Irish princess Mary Katherine O'Connor, the first runner-up, was also at a loss for words after last night's pageant at the Lorain Palace Civic Center had ended. Wearing a tiara and holding a bouquet of flowers, she said she hasn't quite taken it in yet.

"It's a bit surreal," said the 18-year-old recent Lorain Admiral King graduate. "I know it's an honor, but it really hasn't sunk in yet."
Third runner-up, Sierra Carter, an African-American princess, said she was proud to have won and to see her nationality represented on the court.

The 16-year-old Clearview senior was in awe that she was selected.
"I was surprised," she said. "Out of all the people, me?"

Renee Garcia, a Mexican princess and the second runner-up, had regained her composure after the show and said that she, like the other winners, was in disbelief that she had been chosen. The 18-year-old Lorain Admiral King graduate said it was like something "from a movie."

She's been preparing with the other princesses since April, she said, and thought the pageant was great.

"It was so moving, because you've seen every girl grow, and it's good to see everyone come out of it as friends," she said.

People in the audience also agreed, saying that the entire show went off incredibly well. Spectators John and Mary Prieto said afterward that they were most impressed by the princesses' enthusiasm and costumes.

"There wasn't much I didn't like," John said, also noting the music, the lighting and the atmosphere.

Like the Prietos, Lorain resident James Williams couldn't pick out an act from the talent show that he liked best.

"It was a beautiful composition of talents," he said.

The International Festival is spotlighting African-Americans this year, and many said while they couldn't pick out a single act as the best, the audience reacted wildly for presentations by the African-American princesses.

A dance to drums, a performance of Amazing Grace, and the crowd favorite, an interpretive dance with a theme of achievement and perseverance were crowd pleasers.

Williams said that he was impressed with the pageant, which he called "a beautiful international scene."

"Just to see all these girls lining up to represent their ethnic background," he said. "It's part of the great American dream.

 

Breanna Kopis
2005
Irish

Irish princess crowned queen of International

BY SCOT ALLYN, 06/24/2005

Kopis, who will be a senior at Southview High School, was quick to assign credit for her success. 'My family,' she said, had been her inspiration. Kopis was sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Church in Lorain. After high school, she plans to attend Lorain County Community College to study teaching the mentally handicapped.

The first runner-up was Hungarian Princess Jillian Fechko, a 17-year-old graduate of Amherst Steele High School. The second runner-up was Polish Princess Olivia Steele, an 18-year-old graduate of Elyria Catholic High School, and third runner-up was Mexican Princess Michelle Rezaian, a 17-year-old student at Amherst Steele High School.

Natasha Reidy, the International queen from 2000, was in last night's audience. 'It was exciting,' said Reidy. 'I was so nervous for the girls, I had goosebumps,' she said. Reidy said her preparation to be a Ukrainian princess for the pageant was challenging. 'It's very demanding when you're graduating from high school, working and preparing for college.'

Dr. Subbarao Cherukuri, president of the Lorain International Association, concurred that princesses had to work for their laurels. 'We don't select them for beauty alone,' he said. 'We observe their interaction with the other princesses and how they do in nursing homes, attending patients. We're not looking for models or cinema actresses.' 

Courtney McVey 
2006
Slovakian

Slovakian princess takes home crown

By RON VIDIKA, 06/23/2006

The Lorain resident, representing her Slovak heritage at last night's princess pageant, was crowned queen of the 40th annual Lorain International Festival and Bazaar at the Lorain Palace Theater.

'I feel astonished, amazed and so honored,' McVey said, fighting back tears. 'I will treasure this moment forever. It will be one of my happiest memories.'

Irish princess Gretchen Manning, 17, of Amherst, was first runner-up, Mexican princess Devin Matos, 16, of Lorain, was second runner-up and German princess Ashley Deitz, 19, of Amherst, was third runner-up.

'I feel wonderful to be representing the Mexican culture,' Matos said. 'I'm overwhelmed. This was a wonderful experience.'

This year, 28 princesses vied for the crown.

The two-hour pageant was filled with song and dance.

Twice during the evening's festivities, all of the princesses gathered on-stage; once to perform the Tarantella, a classic Italian dance, and again to sing the hit song 'Seasons of Love' from the prize-winning musical 'Rent.'

The two sponsors of the pageant, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lorain and Community Health Partners, presented scholarships to the queen and her court.

From them, McVey will receive a $1,000 scholarship, Manning a $500 scholarship, Matos a $300 scholarship and Deitz a $200 scholarship.

'I'm extremely proud,' said Manning, her eyes glistening. 'All of the girls worked very hard this year.'

The Lorain International Association also provided scholarship money ranging from $250 for the queen to $150 for first runner-up, $125 for second runner-up and $100 for third runner-up.

'It was a great event,' said John Handyside, general manager of the Lorain Palace. 'We had a nice full house and everyone had a good time.'

Lorain's annual summertime event highlighting the ethnic diversity of the city continues today with the opening of the bazaar segment of the festival at 5 p.m. at the Black River Landing. 

Amber Washington 
2007
African-American

41st Annual International Festival queen crowned

By RON VIDIKA, 06/22/2007

The pageant was held last night at the Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, with nearly 600 in attendance.

The annual event showcases the individual young ladies, who represent their ethnic heritage, as they compete for the prestigious title of queen.

Washington, 17, of Lorain, represented the African-American nationality. She is the daughter of Lynn Marie Washington and Charles Leo Washington Jr., and will be a senior at Southview High School.

'I am overwhelmed, I can't even speak,' said Washington. 'I was born in Lorain and supporting things in Lorain is the key. Get involved.'

Her court includes Croatian Princess Kayla Katrincsak, 17, as first runner-up, and Mexican Princess Eliana Arredondo, 17, as second runner-up. Both girls are from Lorain and attend Elyria Catholic High School. African-American Princess Enjole Davidson, 17, of Lorain, a senior at Lorain Admiral King, is third runner-up.

First Federal Savings and Loan of Lorain, pageant sponsor, awarded scholarships to the queen and her court ranging from $1,000 for the top prize to $200. The Lorain International Association also awarded the court scholarships ranging from $350 to $200.

Prior to the actual pageant, a group of three judges read essays written by each contestant.

The night began with the 20 princesses being introduced on-stage. Then, each princess stood alone before the audience and the judges and discussed her particular ethnic heritage and what it means to them.

At the conclusion, the judges sequestered themselves and reviewed their notes and then agreed upon a winner.

Natalie Rodriguez 
2008
Mexico

Mexican Princess earns top honors

By INGRID RIVERA and ALAN INGRAM, 06/27/2008

'It doesn't even feel real,' Rodriquez, 20, who represents her Mexican nationality, said just minutes after being named. 'It's like, when they said Mexican princess, I was like, ÔOK, there's five of us. One of us has to be it.''

Twenty-seven princesses representing 12 nationalities competed to be named as queen or a member of the court in an almost filled-to-capacity Lorain Palace Theater last night.

Members of the court include third runner-up Victoria Colella, representing her Hungarian descent; second runner-up Lauren Pressick, of Italian descent; and first runner-up Wendy Kurianowicz, also representing her Hungarian descent.

Rodriquez, a student at Kent State University and daughter of Natalio and Mary Rodriquez, said she thinks being crowned the 2008 International queen will change her life.

'It's going to give me a better opportunity to really show who I am, really represent my culture and represent the people around me who really care about me,' she said.

After the curtain fell to end the evening, many of the princesses hugged Rodriquez, who wiped the tears away from her eyes.

The 2007 Lorain International Queen Amber Washington approached her and said, 'You're going to love it.'

Washington said her experience as queen was a memorable one and advised the new queen to attend as many festivals as possible.

'She will meet amazing people and memories that will last forever,' Washington said.

The auditorium was filled with hundreds of friends and family members, who clapped, whistled and cheered the princesses as they represented their nationalities.

The evening began when the princesses, escorted by members of the armed forces, and Admiral King and Southview Junior ROTCs, paraded down the aisles, wearing their costumes and waving American flags.

During the introductions, each of the princesses was greeted with a red flower from a little girl. They then walked the stage and waved.

After the intermission, the princesses, as a group, spun for the crowd, and then saluted. They followed by singing Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA.'

When asked what is the greatest benefit of having a Princess Pageant, Terri Soto, Lorain International Association president and princess pageant chair, said the event is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Lorain.

'Lorain is known as an International City and is very diverse. These girls are so proud to represent their nationality,' Soto said. 'They are representing their families and their culture.'

The queen and members of the court will attend at least six festivals from the Ohio Festival and Events Association and will participate in several International Festival and Bazaar related events.

All four members of the court received a scholarship and other cash awards from the First Federal Savings of Lorain and Community Health Partners.

Ciara Gomez
2009
Puerto Rico

Ciara Gomez, 17, representing her Puerto Rican nationality, was crowned the 2009 Lorain International Queen last night at the Lorain Palace Theatre.

By MEGAN ROZSA, 06/26/2009

LORAIN — The Lorain International Festival is spotlighting the Puerto Rican heritage this year, which is why Ciara Gomez is so excited she was crowned queen of the 43rd annual festival. The crowning took place last night at the Palace Theatre.

"I am just under shock right now," the 17-year-old Gomez said as she wiped her eyes. "When they said Puerto Rican heritage, I was squeezing hands with Melina (Rosas) because we knew it had to be one of us. I didn't expect to hear my name called."

African American Princess Mariah Sledge, 18, of Lorain, was first runner-up; German Princess Brianna Lindway, 18, of Amherst, was second runner-up; and Hungarian Princess Amanda Buchs, 17, of Lorain, was third runner-up.

"My grandpa would be so proud," Lindway said. "Without him, I couldn't have done this."

This year, there was 18 women going for the title of queen. In the past, there have been upwards of 40, according to President and Pageant Chair Terri Soto.

In the talent portion of the show, all the princesses gathered on stage to perform two numbers: one was a traditional Puerto Rican dance, the other was the singing of Mariah Carey's "Hero."

The queen and her court will receive scholarships from First Federal Savings and Loan of Lorain. Gomez will receive $1,000, Sledge $500, Lindway $300 and Buchs $200.

From the Lorain International Association, the queen will receive a $350 scholarship, the first runner-up a $250 scholarship and the second and third runner-up a $200 scholarship.

"Considering the number of princesses we had, we still had a great turn out," Soto said. "It's mostly moms and daughters who come, but then there's also family support.

Lorain's annual International Festival highlights the ethnic diversity of the city. It continues today with the opening of the bazaar at 5 p.m. at the Black River Landing.

A total of 40 food vendors representing multiple nationalities and culinary offerings will make the Black River Landing their home for the next three days. There will also be ethnic groups performing on stage at the site.

Festival hours are 6 to 11 p.m. today, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The cost of admission to the bazaar is $1 each day.

Visitors can enter the festival through the Lorain National Bank parking lot at Fourth Street and Broadway, the former pellet terminal site to the east of Lorain City Hall or at Eighth Street, east of Broadway.

Before heading to the International Festival this weekend, here are security rules that will be in place to enter the Black River Landing, where the bazaar takes place. Enhancing security was decided upon after a meeting between Lorain police, the Lorain Port Authority and International Festival committee representatives in light of recent fatal shootings in Lorain.

* No one under age 18 will be admitted after 6 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

* No bottles or coolers are permitted.

* The only animals allowed will be service animals.

* There will be security screenings similar to airports and stadiums where police will use a metal detector wand to check for weapons. Purses will also be checked.

* Police will not allow people into the event who are wearing gang-associated clothing or colors.

2010 - Present

Terra Soto
2010
Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican princess Terra Soto crowned Lorain International Festival Queen

06/25/2010

By JAMILA T. WILLIAMSLORAIN — For the second year in a row, the much sought after title of queen for the 44th annual Lorain International Festival and Bazaar went to a princess representing the Puerto Rican heritage. Terra Soto, 16, was crowned queen last night at the Princess Pageant at the Lorain Palace Theatre, after beating out 27 other girls for the spot.

“I feel amazing. This is the best feeling I’ve ever had. I’m so excited,” Terra said.

Megan Rosario, 16, Mexican princess, was the first runner-up; Sarah Lopez, 17, Mexican princess, was second runner-up; and Melina Matos, 18, Greek princess, was third runner-up.

Terra is the daughter of Terri Soto, last year’s Lorain International president.

Soto, too, was surprised Terra won.

“Not that I didn’t think she wasn’t capable, I just had no idea,” Soto said.

Many of the girls, dressed in colorful, glittering costumes unique to their heritage, wore dresses that were passed down through generations. Becoming a princess has been a family tradition for many of the girls.

Sara Sperry, 18, representing Ukraine, told the audience she was wearing the very same costume her mother wore in the 1986 Princess Pageant. First runner-up, Megan Rosario, also followed in the footsteps of her mother, Kelly Rosario, who was first runner-up in 1986.

“I’m just so proud to be keeping that legend going,” she said.

The girls were judged by their knowledge of their culture, poise, community involvement and stage presence.

Last year’s queen, Ciara Gomez, said she traveled to 46 places and racked up 3,000 miles in travel during her year as queen.

But Terra is sure she will be able to keep up.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and going around to all the different places in Ohio,” she said.

The 2010 queen and her court were awarded scholarships from First Federal Savings and Loan of Lorain. Terra was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, Megan a $500 scholarship, Sarah a $300 scholarship and Melina received a $200 scholarship. From the Lorain International Association, the queen will receive a $500 scholarship, the first runner-up a $400 scholarship and the second and third runner-up, $300 scholarships. Lorain’s annual International Festival celebrates the ethnic diversity in the city and this year’s spotlight is on the Hungarian culture.

Kaitlyn Knick
2011
Slovakia

Slovak Princess selected queen of International Festival

06/23/2011

This year's queen of the Lorain International Festival and Bazaar is Kaitlyn Knick, the Slovak princess. The First Runner Up is Sara Andrews, the Hungarian princess; Second Runner Up is Chloe DeAngelis, an Italian princess; and Third Runner Up is Hannah Congelio, an Italian princess.