Tulip Fest is almost here, and it’s time to announce the Tulip Court! These remarkable women will be honored for their achievements and contributions to the community during the Albany Tulip Festival on May 13 and 14.
The 2017 Tulip Queen Finalists
Every year five finalists who exhibit exceptional service and commitment to the local community are crowned as the Albany Tulip Queen and Court. This year, the 69th Tulip Queen will be crowned on May 13, 2017 as part of the annual Tulip Festival, and all five finalists will work together throughout the year on community service and literacy advocacy initiatives.
Erin Bryk, Age 21, Latham
Education: A senior at Barnard College, Columbia University, Erin is graduating this May with a Major in Asian & Middle Eastern Cultures and Political Science.
Service:
- Criminal Division Intern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
- Constituent Affairs Intern at U.S. Senator Gillibrand’s Office
- Colonie Youth Court
- Shaker High School’s Girls Take Charge Program
- Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Goals: Erin plans to pursue a career in law and public service. As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, Erin is looking forward to serving as a role model and leader in the Albany community along with the rest of the Court and to helping young people to achieve their educational goals.
Ashley Loggins, Age 23, Albany
Education: Ashley is a graduate of Clarkson University with a degree in Chemistry and Biomolecular Science. She currently works at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Service:
- Family Promise of the Capital Region
- Glory House of Prayer Children’s Summer Program
- American Cancer Society
- Albany South End Children’s Café
- Habitat for Humanity
- Vanderheyden Hall
- The Arc Program
Goals: As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, her goal is to develop a “Literacy in the Park” event, where book donations are received for a day filled with food, entertainment, and literacy activities for children.
Kelly Phillips, Age 21, Loudonville
Education: Kelly is a senior majoring in Psychology, graduating in May from Siena College.
Service:
- Special Education Teacher Aide at North Colonie Central School
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany
- Lifetime Girl Scout and Troop Leader
- Taught English in an orphanage in South Africa
- Local volunteer Firefighter
Goals: As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, Kelly hopes to create a literacy program that inspires the youth of Albany to make a difference in their communities.
Julianna Rauf, Age 19, Medusa
Education: Julianna is a sophomore English major at Siena College.
Service:
- Tutor in the Siena College writing center and HEOP offices
- American Legion
- Urban Scholars
- Red Cross
- Works with international students and senior citizens through Siena College
Goals: Julianna’s goal as a member of the 2017 Tulip Court is to make a positive difference in the community by being an influential leader who brings out the best in others and herself through literacy.
Amanda Volk, Age 21, Albany
Education: Amanda is a graduate student working on her Masters of Public Health in the Epidemiology program at the University at Albany where she also completed her Bachelors Degree. She currently is a part of an internship program at General Electric.
Service:
- The Global Institute for Health and Human Rights
- New York State Public Health Association
Goals: Amanda’s goals as a member of the 2017 Tulip Court are to develop a literacy project that would combine reading with public heath.
