New ‘Queen of Rosaria’ the first from Parkrose High

In March, she was named the Parkrose High School 2018 Portland Rose Festival Princess; now see her surprise when chosen the ‘Queen of Rosaria’, at this year’s Coronation Ceremony …

Parkrose High School’s 2018 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Kiara Johnson, learns she’s been selected this year’s Queen of Rosaria.

By David F. Ashton; photos by Bill Barry

When Kiara Johnson learned she’d be representing the “Bronco Spirit” of Parkrose High School for the 2018 Portland Rose Festival [To read about her selection, CLICK HERE], she didn’t dream she’d actually go on to be chosen “Queen of Rosaria”.

Early on Saturday, June 9, at the Portland Rose Festival “Queen Coronation” ceremony, just before the Grand Floral Parade, Princess Kiara was one of the many young ladies who were excited and happy to be individually introduced by the Master of Ceremonies to the many people present in the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum.

Members of the court congratulate 2018 Queen of Rosaria Kiara Johnson.

The program featured musical entertainment, and an opportunity for each of the Princesses to tell of a memorable experience as part of the Rosarian Court.

A hush fell over the arena as the crowd present awaited the official selection announcement.

Princess Kiara Johnson’s mouth dropped in surprise, as she learned that she’d be the one representing the City of Portland as the “Queen of Rosaria” for the next year.

-4 Queen Kiara receives her royal crown from the Royal Rosarian Prime Minister, Adam Baker.

“This is Parkrose High School’s first Queen,” said Portland Rose Festival Foundation spokesperson Rich Jarvis.

During the brief interview session that followed her selection, and before she mounted the float carrying herself and her court through the Spirit Mountain Grand Floral Parade, Queen Kiara exclaimed that being selected was “an amazing and wonderful experience.” She added that she looked forward to spending more time with her court, and enjoying their company.

Queen Kiara is accompanied down the aisle by Royal Rosarian Prime Minister Adam Baker, after her coronation.

At Parkrose High, Queen Kiara was a varsity volleyball player, as well as the track and field team captain; and was also the sports editor for the school’s paper. She works part-time at the Shilo Inn Restaurant and Hotel.

Queen Kiara’s ambitions for pursuing a career as a veterinarian or a journalist will be helped along, as she begins her higher education at Clackamas Community College, thanks to a $3,500 Scholarship provided by The Randal Group.

Atop her float, Queen of Rosaria Kiara Johnson greets her subjects during this year’s Grand Floral Parade.

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