TRAVERSE CITY -- Twenty candidates are competing for National Cherry Queen.
Four finalists will be chosen by the National Cherry Festival this weekend and announced in Sunday's Record-Eagle.
Who do YOU think should be a Cherry Queen finalist? Vote in our opinion poll »
• Nicole Aboudib graduated from St. Francis High School in 2007 and has a degree in architectural technology and design from Ferris State University. She's currently enrolled in the construction program at Northwestern Michigan College. She's the daughter of Tony and Shirley Aboudib and is sponsored by Popp Farms, Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness and the Dairy Lodge.
•Jordan Blaker graduated from Gaylord High School in 2008. She's currently enrolled in The Young Americans College -- and performs with the Young Americans -- and North Central Michigan University, studying business administration. She is the daughter of Bill and Angel Blaker of Gaylord and is sponsored by Blaker Realty.
•Alissa Carpenter graduated from Bellaire High School in 2008. She's attending the University of Michigan, studying business and applied statistics. She's sponsored by the Steiner Agency of Farm Bureau Insurance and dentist David Dibble.
•Dana Davidson graduated from Akron-Fairgrove School in Fairgrove in 2010. She's currently studying engineering at the University of Michigan. She's the daughter of David and Diane Davidson and is sponsored by Michigan Sugar Co., Caro, Croswell and Sebewaing, Greenstone Farm Credit and Crop Production Services.
•Laura DePonio is a 2007 graduate of Traverse City West Senior High and a 2011 graduate of the University of Michigan, with a concentration in political science and economics. She is the daughter of Jane Deering and Mark DePonio and is sponsored by Tom's Food Markets.
•Lauren Griggs graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2006 and currently is studying interior design and marketing at Central Michigan University. She is the daughter of Bruce and Carol Griggs and is sponsored by Urban Diversions.
•Kaitlin Hicks is a 2008 graduate of Elk Rapids High School, currently studying elementary education at Northwestern Michigan College. She's the daughter of Ken and Debbie Hicks and is sponsored by Ken's Body Shop, Margaret Langan, Jeanne Boyd and Venlyne K. Hicks, licensed builder.
•Meg Howard graduated from Traverse City West Senior High School in 2006 and currently attends Northwestern Michigan College, studying nursing. Her parents are Jim and Linda Howard and she is sponsored by an anonymous friend and Northpointe Plastics Corp.
•Morgan Johnson is a 2008 graduate of Traverse City West Senior High School. She attended Northwestern Michigan College for two years and currently is studying hospitality services administration at Central Michigan University. She's the daughter of Ed and Shelley Johnson and is sponsored by Mary's Kitchen Port.
•Brook Ann Keiser is a 2006 graduate of Bellaire High School and a 2008 graduate of Northwestern Michigan College, where she received an associate degree in science and arts. She graduated from Davenport University in 2010 with a degree in business administration. She's the daughter of Kevin and Jean Keiser and is sponsored by the Davies family, Cherry Flex, Bellaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Alden Lumber Co.
•Nichole King graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 2010. She's a nursing major at Hope College and the daughter of Jeff and Lori King. She's sponsored by Crystal Lake Golf Course.
•Elizabeth Katherine Krhovsky is a 2008 graduate of Corunna High School and is studying environmental studies and agriscience at Michigan State University. She is the daughter of Martin and Mary Krhovsky and is sponsored by Krhovsky Farms.
•Evelynne Mende is a 2007 graduate of Traverse City Central High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in secondary math education. She is the daughter of Ed and Kim Mende and is sponsored by Doug Murdick's Fudge and Optimal Capital Fiduciary Wealth Adviser Jay Batcha.
•Alexis McCafferty is a 2009 graduate of Traverse City West Senior High School and a 2011 graduate of Northwestern Michigan College with an associate degree in science and art. She'll attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to study biomedical sciences. She's the daughter of John and Kathee McCafferty and is sponsored by Blue Star Landscape Supply.
•Stephanie Neville is a 2009 graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in communications. She is the daughter of Tim Neville and is sponsored by Advanced Painting Technologies.
•Keenan North is a 2008 home school graduate. She plans to attend Northwestern Michigan College in the fall to study nutrition and physical education. She's the daughter of Mike and Lorie Gallo and is sponsored by Mirjavadi MMA, Integrity Home Health Care, Swanny's, Carpet Galleria, Step Above Installaion, Construction by Soper and Sister Gurll cakes.
•Jennifer Olds is a 2008 graduate of Buckley Community Schools who currently is studying kinesiology at Michigan State University. She's the daughter of Scott and John Olds and is sponsored by Smeltzer Orchard Co., Farm Bureau Insurance and Pahl's Feed and Needs.
•Laura M. Patmore is a 2005 graduate of Suttons Bay High School and a 2010 graduate of Aquinas College. She's currently attending Grand Valley State University working towards a master's degree in education. She's sponsored by Send Receiving Station and Gray and Co.
•Chelsea Simon is a 2006 graduate of Traverse City Central High School and a 2010 graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in dietetics. Her parents are Don and Renell Simon and her sponsors are Brownwood Acres and FruitFast.
•MaKenzie Tremp is a 2009 graduate of Traverse City West Senior High School and currently is studying biomedical sciences at Grand Valley State University. Her parents are Paul J. Tremp and Joanne M. Paquette and her sponsors are Hemming's Way Fruit Co. and Shorewood Orchards.
