See the fun leading up to the announcement, and meet Princess Ally – who will represent the Scots during the 2018 Portland Rose Festival …
In the Hazelwood neighborhood, students and staff fill the David Douglas High School gym as the 2018 Portland Rose Festival program begins.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The cavernous gymnasium at David Douglas High School (DDHS) was abuzz with anticipation at start of the assembly where the school’s Portland Rose Festival Princess would be announced the morning of March 9.
“We can tell that springtime is near, because here it is, Rose Festival day!” exclaimed DDHS Principal John Bier as students and staff found seats.
“Each one of our candidates could well represent our school; we’re so excited to see them highlighted at our assembly today,” Bier told East Portland News.
DDHS Dean’s Secretary Felisha Brewer started off the program with a beautiful rendition singing the National Anthem. Then, the hosts for the program told how well the schools sports, music, and theater teams did in state competitions this year.
The Scots Cheer Team performs a routine that helped them win honors in competition.
Next was the presentation of a check, as the culmination of the district-wide “Scots Angels” fundraising program to help a local family with special needs. This year, the combined total came to $10,000.
The four DDHS Portland Rose Festival Princess candidates – Alanesia (Ally) Vang, Alexandria (Alex) Roley, Divine Muange, and Kimberly Perez-Garcia – take the stage.
This year’s candidates were introduced and then seated on the stage, which had been decorated for the special occasion.
Unitus Community Credit Union Mentor Lori Williams presents gift mementos to the candidates.
2017 Portland Rose Festival David Douglas High Princess Tiffany Nguyen tells of her experience last year.
Then, the DDHS 2017 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Tiffany Nguyen, spoke: “Through this program, I’ve been given a platform to help my community and community service.
“These women on the stage are so brave and hard-working, as are the other princesses who also have their stories to share,” Nguyen said. Turning to the candidates, she advised, “Ask questions, take chances, and make every opportunity count.”
Ally Vang (far left) hears that she’s been chosen to represent her school during the Portland Rose Festival.
After the selection of DDHS senior Alanesia (Ally) Vang was announced, she stepped to the microphone and said, “Thank you to David Douglas for being so accepting; I thank my friends and family for their support.”
Outgoing DDHS Princess Tiffany Nguyen places the tiara on 2018 DDHS Princess Ally Vang.
“To represent the Scots it means the world to me, because our school is known for diversity and quality education,” Princess Ally told East Portland News. “Now, I can ‘stand up’ for everything I appreciate about David Douglas, the school is changed my life for the better.”
Princess Ally is congratulated by her court, Alex Roley, Divine Muange, and Kimberly Perez-Garcia.
Rose Festival Fleet Week is her favorite part of the Festival, she said, because it allows the opportunity for people to honor and appreciate the men and women who protect the country.
“And, overall, I look forward to their being able to inspire me while I meet them, and then hopefully, I will be able to inspire others,” Princess Ally said. “I’m expecting a wonderful change in my life from this experience. I’m very excited!”
Planning to become a medical doctor and become a pediatric oncologist, her educational goals will be helped thanks to $3,500 scholarship provided by The Randall Group.
Congratulations to 2018 Portland Rose Festival DDHS Princess Ally Vang!
Wave to Princess Ally during the Portland Rose Festival Starlight Parade on the evening of June 2; and cheer her on at the Queen’s Coronation on June 9 at 8:30 a.m. in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
For information about Portland Rose Festival, see their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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