10 Quick Questions With Eunice Kim, Curtis High School's Daffodil Princess

Eunice Kim has some bling to make her senior year at Curtis High School even more spectacular.

Kim was selected to represent her school as 2011 Daffodil Princess.

Also competing for the title at the Oct. 18 pageant were Natalie Johnson, Chelsea Miller and Natasha Sioda. Each candidate presented a short speech on this year’s festival theme: “Don’t Stop Believing,” and also answered an impromptu question.

The Daffodil Festival started in 1933 as a tribute to the Puyallup Valley flower industry and has grown to be one of the largest festivals and parades in the nation. One senior girl from most high schools in the area is selected as a princess, and will ride in the parade, as well as complete other duties on behalf of the festival.

University Place Patch caught up with Eunice for a round of 10 questions about senior year, her future plans – and, of course, the moment her name was called as Curtis’ very own princess.

1. Your age and grade?

EK: I'm 17 years old and finally a high-school senior.

2. What are your post-high school plans?

EK: I hope to attend either the University of Washington or Seattle Pacific University, and major in biochemistry. I want to become a pharmacist and give back to my community.

3. What activities are you involved in at Curtis and outside of school?

EK: At Curtis, I'm currently in Enviro Club, Key Club and vice president of the National Honor Society. Athletically, I'm involved with Curtis swim, tennis and hopefully Danceblast this winter. Off-campus, I volunteer every week at the U.P. Care Center and every month at FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment). I work, although not as much now because of college apps and school, at the Lakewood YMCA. I also love participating in various activities at church.

4. What did it feel like to hear your name called as Daffodil Princess?

EK: The only thing I felt was embarrassment at how dumb I probably looked with my mouth gaping wide open. After that feeling passed, I felt so privileged for the opportunity and thankful for all the people who were present to share this moment with me.

5. What did your speech focus on?

EK: My speech emphasized the lesson my community has taught me: to never to stop believing in myself. It's quite cliché, but that love and encouragement have enabled me to slowly blossom into the confident person I am today.

6. Who is your hero?

EK: My dad is my hero. As much as I don't want to admit it, he's almost always right, and he prepares me for the realities of this world. He's a hardworking parent and a man of much integrity.

7. What is your favorite thing about being a senior?

EK: Being a senior, I love enjoying the comforts of living at home with my parents while experiencing the whole blown freedom most 17-year-olds are traditionally entitled to.

6. What is a great memory from your high-school days?

EK: High school is a cauldron bubbling with hundreds, if not thousands, of great memories. But the one I can recall right now would be the past four swim seasons. I made my closest friends through that experience and it opened my eyes to my strengths.

7. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

EK: On the weekend, I love to enjoy what sunshine Washington grants us and spend it hanging out with either family or friends, basking in complete laziness.

10. So, while you’re being lazy, what is a movie you may be found watching?

EK: I never get tired of “Titanic.” It gets me every time.