Schools
Curtis' Eunice Kim Will Compete Tonight to be Daffodil Queen
Kim is among 24 high-school seniors from across Pierce County competing for the title -- and scholarships.
It’s going to be a night fit for a queen.
Curtis High School senior Eunice Kim is among the 24 young women from high schools across Pierce County who will compete to become Daffodil Queen at 7 tonight at Life Center, 1717 South Union Avenue in Tacoma. Tickets are available at the door for $10 and $5 for students and seniors. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
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. The Daffodil Queen is selected to reign over the many Festival activities throughout the year. She and her court are the festival’s official ambassadors.
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In addition to vying for the title of queen, the 24 candidates will compete for scholarships provided by the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation. They will be judged on academic standing, personality, attitude, speaking ability, appearance, sociability, content of their prepared speech, festival awareness and impromptu speaking.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Don’t Stop Believing,” which each candidate interpreted in their own way in their speech at the school pageants, which were held in the fall.
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Kim’s speech emphasized the lesson her community has taught her: to never stop believing in herself.
“It's quite cliché, but that love and encouragement have enabled me to slowly blossom into the confident person I am today,” the aspiring pharmacist said shortly after being crowned Curtis’ princess.
Winning came as a surprise to Kim, who admitted she was embarrassed to realize her mouth was gaping open when her name was called.
“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,” she said.
The annual festival will culminate in the 79th annual Daffodil Parade. The Grand Floral Street Parade will travel through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting on April 14. The contingent features 40 floats and more than 80 other entries including bands and mounted units. And, of course, thousands of daffodils will decorate the floats.
Good luck, Eunice! We're rooting for you!