 |
 |
|
| EVENTS |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C., congratulates our 2010 Nebraska Cherry Blossom Princess, Alex Law. Here's a recap from Alex about her great experience as Nebraska's Cherry Blossom Princess:
Representing Nebraska as their 2010 Cherry Blossom Princess is an experience I will always remember! The fun-filled week taught me more about my country, Japanese culture, and even my own state of Nebraska.
During the week, the princesses had the opportunity to participate in several fun events - around four or five big events a day! These included visiting the Embassies of the Kingdom of Bahrain and of Lithuania, laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visiting museums, a Congressional reception and touring the White House. Plus, seeing the cherry blossoms in person was breathtaking!
One of the most memorable was meeting Japanese Ambassador Fujisaki, who is an excellent speaker and has a great sense of humor. We were invited to his personal residence and took part in a tea ceremony and a reception. At the reception, a Japanese rock star performed for us and more sushi was served than I have ever seen.
A Nebraska State Society reception was held one evening, which was so wonderful to meet people from Nebraska who lived in Washington D.C. I even met a nice lady who had been in the same sorority as me years ago at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I loved meeting everyone and talking about their experiences in the city.
Community service was also part of our week as princesses, and these activities were possibly my favorite of the week. One day, we read to children at Cleveland Elementary School. I read to adorable little pre-kindergarten girls! We also assembled care packages for our troops at the USO. The USO blared music and we danced as we packed each bag... when we successfully filled 250 bags an alarm would ring and we would cheer!
The whirlwind week ended with a grand ball on Friday night and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday morning. I was escorted by Jeff Kratz, President of the Nebraska State Society. The ball was a beautiful event with a sushi reception, introduction of the princesses in our long white gowns, a dance, and crowning of the Cherry Blossom Queen - by a spin of a wheel! The princess from Wisconsin was chosen, and given the opportunity to travel to Japan to represent the United States. It was a wonderful evening. The next morning we walked in the parade, with ROTC Navy men from surrounding colleges holding our state flags.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be Nebraska's Cherry Blossom princess! Katie and Jeff (from the Nebraska State Society) were so helpful during the week. I could talk for days and days about the memories and stories while representing Nebraska as Cherry Blossom princess in Washington D.C.! It was truly a week I will remember forever.
Meet our 2009 Cherry Blossom Princess: Michelle Wiedel
Meet our 2008 Cherry Blossom Princess: Abby Helman.
Meet our 2007 Cherry Blossom Princess: Desereé Johnston.
Learn more about Nebraska’s 2006 Cherry Blossom Princess, Andrea Todd
.
© 2008 The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C., Inc. All rights reserved. Post Office Box 65243, Washington, D.C. 20035-5243