The Greater Alliance Carnation Festival queen will be selected July 27 at Alliance High School during the annual pageant event. Sixteen Alliance-area women will be competing for the title. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. in the school's auditorium. The queen candidates are selling tickets, which cost $10. Meet the candidates for this year's festival:
No. 1 Lilyan Ronske
Sponsor – Tannenhauf Golf Club
Hometown – Lexington Township
Age – 21
School – Kent State University
Employment – Snack bar attendant, Tannenhauf Golf Club
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to connect with the community that I grew up around, and be a role model and set examples to the young children. Knowing this is my first and last chance to be part of this pageant, I believe that I have what it takes to embody this role for this wonderfully loving town.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – I think that Days in the Park has always held a special place in my heart. It is so cool to see all of the vendors and musical performances they have. I, of course, also love the Grand Parade.
Who is your role model? – My parents (James and Lynette Ronske) are my role models. They have worked for what they currently have, they have always supported me through all of my endeavors, and they have shaped me into the person I am. I am extremely lucky to look up to them.
No. 2 Victoria Lane
Sponsor – Caitlin Tasker, The KeyGroup at Real
Hometown – Lexington Township
Age – 18
School – Marlington High School
Employment – Works at Brookdale in Salem
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – So I can set a good example and spread kindness.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – Did not answer.
Who is your role model? – My mother. She showed me what it meant to be both kind and strong. She is very loving and compassionate. She embodies the verse Proverbs 31:25. (“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”)
No. 3 Lyrical Andrews
Sponsor – Nails by Bailee
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 18
School – Alliance High School
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – Why I want to be the Carnation Queen is because it’s a symbol of representing our city and everything.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite event is when the band plays and I dance with everybody.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my mom. She’s pushed me everyday to be the best person and child I can be and I thank her every day for that.
4. Chloe Cantwell
Sponsor – Heggy’s Confectionary
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 17
School – Marlington High School
Employment – Heggy’s in Alliance
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to be a person that young girls in the community can look up to and aspire to do great things, too.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – Days in the Park, because it is such a great opportunity to interact with people in the community, as well as bringing people who don’t live in the area to enjoy all there is to offer
Who is your role model? – My role model is my Aunt Denise. She is a teacher and still taking college classes. She always has the most positive person I know and she always helps people no matter what.
5. Alexandra Ritchie
Sponsor – 330 Tropical Sno
Hometown – Lexington Township
Age – 18
School – University of Mount Union
Employment – Lifeguard at Alliance Country Club
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I have been attending the Carnation Festival for the longest time and I have looked up to the Carnation Queen and her court. I want to be the amazing role model that I used to look up to.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite Carnation Festival event is Days in the Park, specifically the fireworks show, because it is beautiful to watch.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my Papa Ritchie. He is the hardest worker, kindest soul, and most generous person I know. I aspire to be even half as amazing as he is.
6. Kaitlyn Waite
Sponsor – White Physical Therapy
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 17
School – Alliance High School
Employment – I work for Alliance High School as their stage crew.
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to be the next Carnation Queen so that I can become more involved in my community and be a role model for all the young girls in the Greater Alliance area.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite event would have to be Days in the Park. This is because of all the amazing crafts, delicious food and friendly faces I get to see.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my mother because of her strength, kindness and resilience. She is not just a parent, but a source of inspiration and guidance.
7. Ariana Aldridge
Sponsor – Tanner Real Estate
Hometown – Beloit
Age – 17
School – West Branch High School
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – Ever since I was little I have looked up to the past queens and have aspired to be one, as well. They are super nice and great role models, and that is what I want to be.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite Carnation Festival event is the Carnation Day Parade. I have always enjoyed this parade, and in high school marching band, I have had the great opportunity to be in it.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my sister. We have a big age gap, so that means I have been with her throughout all of her college years, attending med school, and that really inspires me.
8. Oneal Everett
Sponsor – A-Town Auto Worx
Hometown – Salem
Age – 18
School – West Branch High School
Employment – I work at Maurices in Salem.
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to be Carnation Queen because I believe that being a leader is the most important thing. I am strong and courageous because of my God. I have an extreme love for people and I believe I will serve them from the bottom of my heart. The Alliance community has always been so gracious. I want to inspire little girls to be strong and to always care.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite event is Days in the Park. I see that it brings the Alliance community together. When I volunteer I see lots of my friends and family enjoying their time.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my mom. My mother, Kristen Everett, is selfless and puts others before herself. I aspire to be her and continue her love for others and, most importantly, the Lord.
9. Avery Steiner
Sponsor – Alliance Lions Club
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 20
School – West Branch High School
Employment – Server, Brookside Country Club
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to be the Carnation Queen to learn more about Alliance and to be a part of the community. Also to make friends along the way.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite festival event would have to be Days in the Park. I love to try the food trucks and see my friends and enjoy the activities.
Who is your role model? – My role model would have to be my older brother Bryson. He has always been such a huge part of my life when growing up, and my best friend.
10. Jayda Patrick
Sponsor – The Butler’s Choice Carpet Cleaning
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 17
Employment – Instrumentation and engineering technician
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I have been involved in many groups that hold camps for young girls for years, where I’ve made relationships and I’m someone these girls look up to. When I see them in public, they recognize me and are so excited to say hi. I think it would be awesome if these girls recognized me as Carnation Queen and I can be an example that they can do anything they put their mind to whether it’s in the weight room, on the soccer field, wrestling mat, show choir stage and even as the Carnation Queen.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – Days in the Park! I love the live music, all the different food trucks and games. But, most importantly, I love hainging out with my friends and talking to people from the community I don’t get to talk to often.
Who is your role model? – Mallory Chunat. When I first started wrestling, she was the only other girl. When I got to high school, she pushed me to be not only a better athlete but a better person. Now that she’s in college, she shows me what it’s like to transition to being on your own and how to push through hard times.
11. Kacie Bench
Sponsor – Bench Electric
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 18
School – Alliance High School
Employment – Cashier at Molesky Farms
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I aspire to be the Carnation Queen to share my love of music and community. Music is my safe haven and I want the younger generation of girls to know they can express themselves freely and happily. Music is one of the best ways to express yourself, so I want to show girls and the town of Alliance how music can bring us together.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – Days in the Park! I love seeing the community come together and being happy. I enjoy listening to the music playing there and hanging out with the people I love the most.
Who is your role model? – My mom and dad because they show me perseverance and the meaning of working as a team. They’ve shown me the importance of family and trust.
No. 12 Sophia Ayers
Sponsor – Burger Hut
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 18
School – West Branch High School
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – It would be an honor to be Alliance’s next Carnation Queen because I would love to be a role model of grace and individuality for the future generations of the city. As well as lead the community through service and kindness.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite event is for sure Days in the Park. It’s an event that comes to cap off every summer in Alliance with amazing food that benefits community organizations, friends both new and old, dancing and shows unity within the community.
Who is your role model? – My role model is for sure my Grandma Kathryn. She is an example of what it means to be such a strong woman, but with that also she is just the sweetest soul. I love spending time with her and one day hope to be half the woman and outstanding community member she is.
No. 13 Isabella Hall
Sponsor – Manhattan Cleaning Service
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 17
School – Alliance High School
Employment – Works at Maurices
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I aspire to become the Carnation Queen with the aim of promoting inclusivity within our community, inspiring young girls to pursue their passions, and encouraging them to envision ambitious futures.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite Carnation Festival event was Days in the Park. I loved seeing the community in one place celebrating the city through music, fireworks, laughter and memories.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my mother Jeannette and my sister Essence. These women have raised me to be strong, independent and compassionate. I have seen by example to have confidence, kindness and heart.
14. Karley Bernard
Sponsor – Ohio Tack
Hometown – Washington Township
Age – 16
School – Marlington High School
Employment – Hostess at Applebees
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I am a strong leader and I am willing to help others and represent Alliance well.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – Did not answer
Who is your role model? – My mother. She has taught me to be responsible and has always been there for me. My mom has helped me become the determined, independent person I am.
15. Sophia Thomas
Sponsor – Dean’s Funeral Home
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 17
School – Alliance High School
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – To be an example for other girls.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – The balloons.
Who is your role model? – Harry Styles, because he is an individual who works hard and promotes “treating people with kindness.”
16. Chloe Jordan
Sponsor – Chadz Customz
Hometown – Alliance
Age – 20
School – Alliance High School
Employment – Did not answer.
Why do you want to be Carnation Queen? – I want to be able to meet new people and make a difference in our city.
What is your favorite Carnation Festival event? – My favorite event is the air balloon lift of, being able to watch them is just so beautiful and fun to watch.
Who is your role model? – My role model is my grandmother. She is just an amazing person, always seeing things on the positive side, all while making amazing treats.
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