FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 28, 2010
CONTACT: Melli Rose, Public Relations Coordinator
518-434-5417
Albany, New York - Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are proud to announce the 2010 Tulip Queen Finalists.
About 100 nominations were received, and each eligible candidate was interviewed by the Tulip Queen & Court Selection Committee, a panel of judges from the community including prior Tulip Queen & Court members. Based on the interviews, 15 semi-finalists were chosen to attend the Tulip Tea. At the Tea, the women were judged based on their interaction with their fellow semi-finalists and the committee. After a final interview with each semi-finalist, five finalists are chosen. These young women were chosen based on their community service & leadership skills as well as their knowledge of Albany. The Tulip Queen is not announced to the public or the finalists until the Coronation at Tulip Festival on Saturday, May 8 at noon in Washington Park.
“Each year, our Tulip Queen and Court proudly represent the City of Albany. These young women selflessly serve those in need, assisting residents and various organizations throughout our community,” said Mayor Jennings. “They each possess a great deal of positive energy and volunteer experience, and I look forward to working with them on the Mayor’s Literacy Campaign.”
The finalists are:
Mishka Gilkes*, Age 22 of Albany NY
Mishka is a Graduate student at SAGE Graduate School studying Health Services Administration. She works as a re-entry specialist at the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY. Her volunteer experiences include Equinox as a peer mentor, and assisting at Whitney M. Young in Albany. Mishka hopes to ultimately practice law and become a judge. Her goal as a 2010 court member is to impact the community through the Mayor Jerry Jennings Literacy Campaign. (*Pronounced Mish-kah Jillks)
Ashley Holt, Age 22 of Albany NY
Ashley is currently completing her Masters at Bay Path College with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Her volunteer experience includes Ronald McDonald House and the First Israel AME Food Pantry. She hopes to work as an Occupational Therapist in the Capital District and also build a business for local handcrafters to showcase their work. During this year on the 2010 court, she would like to continue to campaign for current literacy programs as well as promote the new program created by her court members.
Keva* Luke, Age 18 of Albany NY
Keva is a senior at Albany High School & will be attending Siena College as a pre-med student in the Fall. Her volunteer experience ranges from a local day care center, St Peters Hospital, tutoring Spanish & math and helping raise money for local booster clubs. She hopes to eventually attend Albany Medical College to become a pediatrician. Her goal on the 2010 court is to increase literacy levels in Albany and make citizens aware of the great programs that Albany has to offer. (*Pronounced Key-vah)
Melissa Pelletier, Age 20 of Colonie NY
Melissa is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Hudson Valley Community College. She works at Teresian House Nursing Home, volunteers at the Food Bank and participates in breast cancer walks and Relay for Life. She hopes to become a kindergarten teacher. As a member of the 2010 Tulip Court, she will strive to make a positive impact on her community.
Gabrielle Rieth*, Age 21 of Ravena, NY
Gabrielle is a senior at Cornell University studying Biological Sciences. In high school she tutored peers, volunteered at St Peters Hospital, and worked with mentally handicapped adults. In college, she organized a fundraising event for Prevent Child Abuse America and has helped with St Jude’s Children’s Research Center. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and possibly become a surgeon. As a 2010 court member, her goals are to form a great team with her court members, serve as a positive role model for women and help to create an exciting new initiative for Mayor Jennings Literacy Campaign. (*Pronounced Reeth)
The 62nd Annual Albany Tulip Festival will be held May 8th & 9th 2010.
For more festival information call 518-434-2032 or visit www.albanyevents.org.
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