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- Carrying on the Spring tradition of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Mrs. Lu Young, wife of Congressman Don Young has named Lily Irene Stevens, daughter of Senator Ted and Catherine Stevens to be Alaska's Cherry Blossom Princess. A fifth-generation Alaskan, and resident of Girdwood, Lily Stevens is a senior at Stanford University where she is studying History. While at Stanford, Lily has been extensively involved in the community, as a dance teacher to second grade students and as a founder of Nine/Eleven, a student group that held a 10 K race to support a September 11 scholarship fund. In addition, she serves as president of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. This fall she will be entering Stanford's graduate program to study Chinese History.
"We are extremely proud to have Lily representing Alaska in the Cherry Blossom Festival. She is an excellent example of the fine qualities of Alaskan women. Her commitment to the community and love of Alaska are traits that we admire and want people from around the country to experience," said Mrs. Young.
The Cherry Blossom Princesses represent the fifty States and the U.S. Territories for the week-long Cherry Blossom Festival held every Spring to mark the gift of hundreds of blossoming cherry trees given to the U.S. by Japan in the early 1900's. Ms. Stevens will join other princesses in a variety of activities that include the First Lady's Cherry Blossom Luncheon, a formal ball, and a final event, a Saturday parade along Constitution Avenue. In addition, Congressman Don and Lu Young will be hosting an Alaskan State Society reception in Ms. Stevens' honor.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsored by the National Conference of State Societies. |
