The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) announced that Josie Beneke of Norwood Young America participated in the Queen of the Lakes candidate program held July 22-28.
This year, 46 candidates will be participating in the program. One young woman is chosen to be the Queen of the Lakes, and two women are chosen as princesses.
The selection team considers a variety of criteria including: professionalism, public speaking ability, current and future goals, education and co-curricular/extracurricular activities. In addition to the interview process, the candidates also participate in leadership, personal development and other unique experiences.
These experiences include visiting Minneapolis hallmarks like The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge and Minneapolis City Center.
Beneke represented Stiftungsfest and Norwood Young America as a 2022-2023 Stiftungsfest Ambassador. She is currently attending the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University and plans to major in finance, with a business focus, and minor in accounting. Additionally, she works as a lifeguard and water safety instructor at West Carver Community Pool, Lake Sagatan, and Warner Palestra Pool. In her free time, Josie loves to exercise, explore, and play music with her trumpet.
Beneke frequently volunteers within her local and college church community, Big Brothers Big Sisters Club, Special Olympics Volunteer Association Club, Letters of Love Club, and as an assistant youth softball coach.
“The highlight of my time as a Stiftungsfest Ambassador was the time I spent getting to know my crown sisters as we served our community. We experienced parades and other community events together and created sister-like friendships throughout our year,” Beneke said. “Something I can take with me after being a Stiftungsfest Ambassador is confidence. Coming in as a candidate I struggled with public speaking, getting myself out there, and sometimes felt like I didn’t know where I belonged. Being crowned as an ambassador and going through the candidate experience helped me grow in those senses. That is how I became the confident young woman I am today.”
“During the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization Candidate Experience I am looking forward to proudly representing Norwood Young America and I hope to be a role model and encourage other young girls and women to become leaders in their own communities.” She added.
Community members are invited to cheer on their community representative at the Meet the Candidates event, taking place on Wednesday, July 24 at the Minneapolis City Center Rotunda from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Candidates will also participate in the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, taking place on Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the downtown Minneapolis Nicollet Mall area.
The week culminates with the coronation of the 2024 Aquatennial Ambassadors at Ted Mann Concert Hall at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus on Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. with a reception an hour prior.
Community members are encouraged to send well wishes to their candidate at the Hilton Garden Inn - University Area, 511 Huron Blvd, Minneapolis MN 55414 (indicate they are an Aquatennial program candidate); Jandrich Floral will also provide a 15 percent discount to all orders for AAO candidates.
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