Meet the 17 Carnation Festival queen candidates
Seventeen young women from the Greater Alliance area will compete July 29 for the title of Carnation Queen at Alliance High School. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchased from any competitor, or from any festival board member. Here, we asked them about themselves and their thoughts about the Carnation City's most important community event. Meet this year's queen candidates:
1. Macy Wilson
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Homeworth
EDUCATION – 11th grade, West Branch
PARENTS – Shelley and Bill Wilson
FUTURE PLANS – I hope to continue my education at Bowling Green State University.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My mom spreads kindness like no other. She always is putting others first.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Cheerleading, dance, reading, hanging out with friends.
AWARDS/HONORS – National Honor Society, nominee of Bright Leaders, EBC Scholar award, and all As.
SPONSOR – Julie Coffelt-Runk State Farm Insurance
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I think it would be fun to represent Alliance in a positive way.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The Days in the Park are my favorite because of all the good food.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – It is the flower that represents Alliance and all of its history. President McKinley also used to wear it.
2. Gretchen Stout
AGE – 19
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Sophomore, Mount Union
PARENTS – Dawn and Jeff Stout
FUTURE PLANS – I’m planning to become a teacher in the elementary level, and I would love to coach cheer because it has a very important part in my heart.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My father. He is a very hard worker and is always someone I can turn to, and he has always inspired me to do my best.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Cheerleading, education and Alpha Xi Delta sorority.
AWARDS/HONORS – NHS 2021; cheer state champs 2020; cheer runner-up at state 2021-2022; EBC champs cheer 2022; honor roll 2019-22; and Panhellenic vice president of campus outreach.
SPONSOR – Complete Performance Motorsports.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I loved to be an inspiration as a teacher/coach. I love being someone others can look up to, and I love to show my niece you can do anything you put your mind to.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The parade was always my favorite as a child. I loved seeing all the different businesses/schools being promoted. I also loved the park events where everyone gets to come together.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The scarlet carnation to me means the Alliance community, and I think as long as the carnation stands, we will stand as a community. The flower shows the beauty we hold regardless of our thorns.
3. Mayze Leask
AGE – 19
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Sophomore, Kent State
PARENTS – Jennie and Brian Craig, and Josh Leask
FUTURE PLANS – I plan to major in nursing at Kent State University. I hope to be in pediatrics in a trauma unity to help people the way nurses and doctors helped my sister!
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My biggest role model would be a tie between my sisters. My youngest sister helps me to see the world through a child’s eyes, and I admire that so much. My other sister, Grace, has shown me no matter what happens in life to keep moving forward and fight for what you want.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – I am a cheerleading coach, so I enjoy spending time with my girls. I enjoy volunteering at my church, and learning new things through school for my major in nursing.
AWARDS/HONORS – I have been awarded numerous scholarships through high school and the start of my college career. I was awarded Warrior Princess in 2021 for my senior year. I also was involved with an organization called Rising Scholars through Kent State.
SPONSOR – Union House
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be the Carnation queen because I have attended the pageants since I was little and always wanted to have the chance to be a role model to our community.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – I would say my favorite Carnation Festival event is the Food Fest, previously known as the Rib Burnoff. I love this event because lots of people come together to listen to all the great bands and explore the food.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – I think the significance of the scarlet carnation is that it represents what the city does best. Coming together as a community and being a family.
4. Alyssa White
AGE – 20
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Sophomore, Mount Union
PARENTS – Joshua and Bridget White
FUTURE PLANS – I plan to graduate from the University of Mount Union with a major in biology with a minor in AYA education. I hope to become a teacher of high school biology.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My mom. She has helped so many people throughout her lifetime and is a constant support in my life.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Drawing, painting, softball and tennis.
AWARDS/HONORS – NHS member, four-year tennis letter winner, four-year swimming letter winner and four-year softball letter winner.
SPONSOR – White Physical Therapy
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I’ve (had) a rough experience within the past two years, and I want to show my growth and I want to be able to be a model for others who have (gone) through something like I have.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – I love the Days in the Park events. I can remember throughout my lifetime spending time with friends and family at the park.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The carnation is the biggest symbol of the Alliance community. Wherever I see the scarlet carnation I automatically think back to Alliance. It is a flower that I have received at some of the greatest achievements of my life.
5. Sophia Ayers
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Junior, West Branch
PARENTS – Steve and Krista Ayers
FUTURE PLANS – To go to college to major in early childhood education and either dance or twirl baton. Also, to teach kindergarten.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My role model is my dance coach because she is hard-working, kind and successful.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Singing, dancing, theater crafting, hula-hoop and gardening.
AWARDS/HONORS – Junior marshall, National Honor Society, all As, honor roll, Future Twirler Award in the Carnation Festival parade.
SPONSOR – Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be the next Carnation queen to represent the city I love and to be a role model.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – Either the Fishing Derby or the Pet Show. The Fishing Derby because it is always something my family did together; and the Pet Show because I like seeing all the pets dressed up.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The significance of the scarlet carnation is to symbolize unity and beauty throughout the community. Also to symbolize President McKinley and how he always wore it.
6. Abiegail Thomas
AGE – 18
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Incoming freshman, Mount Union
PARENTS – Todd and Kristine Thomas
FUTURE PLANS – To further my education at the University of Mount Union and study biochemistry on the pre-med track. I plan to become a pediatric physician’s assistant.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My biggest role model is my older sister Amanda, because of everything she works for. She has always been a go-getter, and I am inspired by her every day.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Cooking, shopping, running, reading, playing soccer, lifting and dog-walking.
AWARDS/HONORS – Elks Teen of the Month; Top 10% of AHS Class of 2023; Investment Alliance Scholar.
SPONSOR – Sarchione-George Clark
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – To be able to represent my hometown as well as being able to learn new things about Alliance.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – Days in the Park. This is my favorite event because of all of the stands and fundraisers for Alliance.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – I believe the scarlet carnation represents the beauty of Alliance as well as the growth this city has overcome.
7. Camryn Mitchell
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Freshman, Mount Union
PARENTS – Diane and Jason Mitchell
FUTURE PLANS – In the fall, I will attend Mount Union to pursue a major in nursing, as well as continuing my cheerleading career.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My role model is my chemistry teacher Ms. Denise Wright. She is one of the kindest and most encouraging people I have ever met, and I aspire to be even a fraction of the person she is.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Cheerleading, music, reading, art and dance.
AWARDS/HONORS – National Honor Society, Buckeye Girls State delegate 2022, Washington Ruritans Rising Senior 2022-23.
SPONSOR – Tanner Real Estate
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I have always looked up to every girl on the stage at the pageant, and would love to be that role model for the other girls.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – I really enjoy watching the Pet Show, because I get to see all the cute animals and hear their unique names.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The scarlet carnation is a symbol of our community. Anyone in or around the Alliance area will immediately think of Alliance when they see one.
8. Janelle Swisher
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Junior, Marlington
PARENTS – Amy and Dave Swisher
FUTURE PLANS – After high school, I plan to continue playing volleyball at Malone University and study business.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My mother, because she will try anything under the sun and will always go out of her way to help others.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Volleyball, baking.
AWARDS/HONORS – National Honor Society, class treasurer, Spanish National Honor Society, team captain, honor roll.
SPONSOR – Tom Miller, Ballher Brand
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I would like to be the Carnation queen because I love to be involved within the community as well as meeting new people and having new experiences.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The parade is my favorite Carnation Festival event because it gets everyone involved in the community and is a great representation of Alliance.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The scarlet carnation represents the beautiful city of Alliance.
9. Gabrielle Hill
AGE – 18
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Freshman, Bowling Green State University
PARENTS – Aaron Hill Sr. and Sarita Hill
FUTURE PLANS – I plan to obtain my bachelor of science in neuroscience. In the future after that, I plan to obtain another degree in musical theater and head to medical school to become a pediatric psychiatrist.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – A role model of mine is Kimberle Crenshaw. She is a highly educated black woman and pioneered both the critical race theory and Intersectionality. I admire her courageousness and drive to present her different ideas in such a dismissive world.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Dance, theater, baking, reading, fitness.
AWARDS/HONORS – Honor roll for four years; outstanding performer three times last Jetsetters season; class president ninth through 11th grade; received the College Bowl National African American and Rural and Small Town recognition awards.
SPONSOR – Alliance Lions Club
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I would love to be the Carnation queen because I think it is an amazing opportunity to not only represent my hometown but to also provide a role model for kids and hopefully provide a source of joy for the community.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – Probably Days in the Park because you get to see how many organizations we have going on in the city and enjoy lots of food.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – To me, the scarlet carnation represents the framework of friendship this state has grown with. In my opinion it is an honor to have such a grand symbol of love and commitment to represent this city.
10. Meya Weatherspoon
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Junior, Marlington High
PARENTS – Angela Weatherspoon
FUTURE PLANS – Going to college, finishing cosmetology school and starting up in a salon.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – Definitely my female mentors but mainly my great-grandmother. She was a warrior and the greatest lady alive. She was so compassionate and loving to everyone, no matter what and very Godly and inspirational.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – I love singing, reading, helping, watching football and basketball, cooking and cosmetology.
AWARDS/HONORS – Presidential Award, letter in choir, church choir leader and youth secretary.
SPONSOR – Posh Ink Permanent Cosmetics.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – Because I believe it would help people see no matter what, you can become a queen.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The Princess Tea because it feels like you can get close to the court, and the parade because of the grace they carry.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – Their meaning alone is deep love and admiration, and the beauty and petals of it all unique is just beautiful
11. Katelyn Bernard
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Paris Township
EDUCATION – 11th grade, Marlington High School
PARENTS – Holly and Dave Bernard
FUTURE PLANS – My future plans are to go to University of Akron to major in accounting and get my bachelor’s degree. I would also love to have a family of my own some day.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My role model is my dad, because he is very strong and always wants the best for me and for me to be happy.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Lifting, going to the gym, playing volleyball, reading books and volunteering.
AWARDS/HONORS – Stark County honorable mention in volleyball in 2022; National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; dean’s list for Stark State in Fall 2022.
SPONSOR – YWCA Alliance
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be the queen to be a (good representative of) the city of Alliance and to set a good example for young girls or young girls interested in the pageant.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – My favorite is the pageant because I love watching girls be themselves in their own ways and the determination they have to be a good example of Alliance.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – The carnation is a sign of beauty and the sign of Alliance. It is significant because of the tradition it holds for this pageant.
12. Aleesa Horn
AGE – 16
HOMETOWN – Marlboro Township
EDUCATION – 11th grade, Marlington
PARENTS – Steve and Nina Horn
FUTURE PLANS – To find a trade school for culinary arts.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My grandma. She was a very kind hearted person and saw the good in everything even if it was evil.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Cooking, baking, bowling and fashion.
AWARDS/HONORS – I lettered twice in bowling and got a high GPA certificate.
SPONSOR – Trips by Vets
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be a positive role model not only to younger eyes but to all ages as well.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – No answer.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – I believe it represents the love and devotion that is put upon our city.
13. Eva Fey
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – 11th grade, Alliance High
PARENTS – Joe Fey and Kristina Fey
FUTURE PLANS – To graduate with my cosmetology license and open my own salon that’s foundation stands on integrity and empowering others.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My role model is definitely my aunt. She is an amazing woman that has always been there for me and supported me. She never gives up on anything and always helps push me to my goals.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – I love kids ministry. I love going on mission trips and serving other people. I really enjoy doing hair/nails/etc. because it makes people more confident. I love to read the Bible and some poetry, and journaling.
AWARDS/HONORS – Honor roll; employee of the month; house project over the summer; mission trips, team prayer award; Leadership Certification Award.
SPONSOR – Salon One83
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to represent and serve the community I grew up in and make changes in lives for the better. I want to be a role model for young girls in Alliance that was done for me. I also would love to learn more about where I grew up and make lasting friendships.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The Princess Tea Party, because it was always a great experience with family. I always looked up to the girls and had so much fun.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – Honestly, it’s really beautiful and represents the city of Alliance, where I’ve grown up all my life. The red to me represents the love for the community and city.
14. Meadow Dailey
AGE – 18
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – Senior, Alliance High
PARENTS – Jack and Shirley Dailey
FUTURE PLANS – My plan is to graduate from high school, attend Kent Stark for sociology, and transfer to Malone to become a social worker.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My role model is my grandma because she was a very strong woman, plus she taught me everything I know.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Photography, playing with kids, sports medicine and art.
AWARDS/HONORS – I have achieved my letter in sports medicine and also getting my credential in physical therapy aide.
SPONSOR – Dailey Brothers Gutters
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be Carnation queen because I want to show women that you can be independent and do it on your own, plus I believe we need a strong leader.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – My favorite Carnation Festival event is the fireworks because that’s what brings my family together.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – William McKinley gave the carnation that he always wore to a child and he was killed moments after.
15. Molly Robertson
AGE – 18
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – 12th grade, St. Thomas Aquinas
PARENTS – Shawn Robertson and Erin Robertson
FUTURE PLANS – To go to college and get a degree in digital media. I want to work in the film and broadcast industry.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – Nancy Drackulich
SPECIAL INTERESTS – Soccer and film production.
AWARDS/HONORS – Academic letter winner, four-year varsity letter winner.
SPONSOR – Heggy’s Confectionery
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I have lived here my entire life, and I want to positively represent my city.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – Days in the Park. I have so much fun and I usually bring my friends from different cities to experience it.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – I love the interesting history behind it and I think a flower is a beautiful thing to represent the city.
16. Kaylee Cherry
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Alliance
EDUCATION – 12th grade, Marlington
PARENTS – Leslie and Gabrielle Cherry
FUTURE PLANS – I want to continue my cosmetology career, by working in a salon. I also plan to open up my own salon here in Alliance.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My cosmetology teacher, Mrs. Scanlon. She pushed me in times I didn’t want to be pushed. In the end, it made me succeed by getting my license in cosmetology. She taught me multiple life lessons and now has a 15-year 100% passage rate.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – 4-H, cheerleading, cosmetology.
AWARDS/HONORS – Treasurer for 4-H; treasurer for cosmetology; licensed in cosmetology; lettered in cheer; and EBC Scholar Award.
SPONSOR – Hairtrix Salon & Spa
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – To better Alliance, for my community. Make Alliance a better place, with community service, sponsoring, and everything I could do to better it.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – The fireworks and parade. I believe it makes the community come together. I see more people in Alliance than ever that day.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – I believe it boosts the community. I believe the colors go deep into the meaning of Alliance Flowers are gentle, the red color is fierce. Alliance is gentle and fierce, both the people and businesses. I believe it is beautiful to show both characteristics that are completely opposite but beautiful together.
17. Stella Blake
AGE – 17
HOMETOWN – Paris Township
EDUCATION – 11th grade, Marlington
PARENTS − Jennifer and William Blake
FUTURE PLANS – I would like to go to college for nursing.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY? – My mom. She is so caring about everyone and puts others above herself. I strive to be like her and the respect she has earned from everyone.
SPECIAL INTERESTS – 4-H; cheerleading; track; cross country.
AWARDS/HONORS – National Honor Society; Homecoming freshman attendant; Homecoming Duchess; vice president of 4-H; class president; Character Counts; Interact Club.
SPONSOR – Grey + Monroe Children's Boutique
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE CARNATION QUEEN – I want to be queen because I wanna be a role model to the little girls in the community.
FAVORITE CARNATION FESTIVAL EVENT – I like the pageant the most. It’s something me and my mom have gone to for a couple of years.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCARLET CARNATION – It represents the city of Alliance.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Meet the 17 Carnation Festival queen candidates
