Maria LaCross' classroom just jumped in size.
Exponentially.
Crowned the 2010-2011 National Cherry Queen Friday evening at the City Opera House, LaCross is a teacher at St. Francis High School.
Representing the cherry industry, the National Cherry Festival and Traverse City for the next year means plenty of educational opportunities. Ambassadors are all about outreach, and nothing beats sharing about cherries, a subject near to LaCross' heart.
"I'm educating the public and spreading the good news to them," said LaCross, who teaches ninth- and 10th-grade English and yearbook.
The new National Cherry Queen will hit the ground running tomorrow — actually, waving in the Cherry Royale Parade — as she launches a year-long reign.
The 2004 Glen Lake High School and 2008 Michigan State University graduate is the daughter of Glenn and Judy LaCross, of Cedar. A second-generation cherry farmer passionate about the fruit, industry and region, LaCross will travel the state and country promoting cherries.
Catching her breath after the coronation ceremony and before a father-daughter dance, LaCross relished the moment. The honor continues a family tradition: her aunt, sister-in-law and sister-in-law's sister-in-law are all former National Cherry Queens.
"It was just amazing," LaCross said of hearing her name announced. "I can't wait to hug my family and friends."
MaKenzie Tremp was named first runner-up; Laura DePonio and Natalie Hollabaugh were the other finalists.
This spring, LaCross and 18 other candidates vied for the four finalist spots. Judges trimmed the roster during a selection weekend in May.
Narrowing the field, whether at the first cut or yesterday's final selection, is always wrenching. It is not a beauty pageant, noted Kay Relyea, director of queens, but an interview process that requires a lot of candidates.
In fact, National Cherry Festival week zooms by in a flurry of activities geared toward showcasing and challenging the finalists. Secret judges watched them in action as they determined the best representative.
"We're looking for a young woman able to represent the industry, the Cherry Festival and our community," said Relyea, also the festival's president.
Before the evening began, Angela Sayler, the 2009-2010 queen, reflected on her experiences. Fighting a few tears, the sixth-generation cherry farmer had some advice for LaCross.
"Take it all in," said Sayler, who represented Traverse City at the Rose Bowl, among many other honors. "It's been totally remarkable, one of the best years of my life."
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Related Photos
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Maria LaCross waves to the crowd after being selected as the 2010-2011 National Cherry Festival Queen on Friday at the Traverse City Opera House. Record-Eagle/Keith King
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Maria LaCross reacts while standing next to Natalie Hollabaugh, left, after being selected as the 2010-2011 National Cherry Festival Queen on Friday during the National Cherry Festival Queen's Coronation Ball & Royale Auction at the Traverse City Opera House. Record-Eagle/Keith King
Reign is family affair for new Cherry Queen
St. Francis teacher, cherry farmer looks forward to educational aspect of reign
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A changing of the guard in GT County
The 2012 elections will bring a major change of the Grand Traverse County guard. The county's long-time clerk, treasurer and prosecutor won't seek re-election this year — three officials whose combined county experience spans more than 90 years.
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Janik tapped for Leelanau administrator
Chet Janik hopes to come home. The Leelanau County board offered its administrator job to Chet Janik, who came to Leelanau as a child when his parents emigrated from Poland.
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Dog park backers plan fundraisers
Dog park supporters raised more than a third of a $15,000 goal just a month into efforts to pay for Traverse City's first park for pets. Work continues to bring in the remaining money.
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Police: Man breaks up fight with gun
Police said a man on Traverse City's east side tried to stop a fight outside his home with a handgun.
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Tased man charged as habitual offender
A man stunned by police Taser in a home invasion incident was arraigned in 86th District Court.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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Body of missing fisherman found
Authorities say a dive team has recovered the body of a 33-year-old fisherman who fell through the ice of a pond near Mesick.
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Ex-TC teacher to waive exam in sex case
A Traverse City teacher accused of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student is expected to waive a preliminary examination in 86th District Court.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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Pears to replace dead ash trees
Downtown streets in the Cherry Capital soon will bloom with the color of another fruit.
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Vasa trail in good shape for weekend
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures and a lack of significant snowfall, the 36th annual North American Vasa cross country ski race is on for this weekend.
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Acme officials defer Meijer decision
Acme Township officials deferred a decision on a long-proposed Meijer store along M-72 until a special meeting in two weeks.
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Parks smoking ban on hold in TC
City Commissioner Jim Carruthers wants more time to work on smoking rules at city parks.
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Tasers take down two suspects this week
Grand Traverse sheriff's deputies used Tasers to subdue suspects in two separate incidents this week.
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Fallen piece of wire causes power outage
Traverse City Light & Power Executive Director Ed Rice said 1,525 customers lost power Monday at 6:05 p.m. when the wire fell. Power was restored in an hour to all but 75 customers. Those remaining 75 customers had power returned at 9:20 p.m.
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Inland Seas hosts seminar on sturgeon
The Inland Seas Education Association will conduct a free public seminar on planning and research for the Great Lakes' sturgeon population.
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Police: Man assaults with aluminum bat
A man is in Grand Traverse County jail after police said he assaulted a man with an aluminum bat.
Continued ... - Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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New brew pub possible
More changes are in store for downtown's Warehouse District, where a new brew pub will serve food from an adjacent cafe.
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GT Band gives Suttons Bay $183K
Suttons Bay Public Schools received a big boost from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, eliminating the threat of a state takeover.
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Plans progress for TCL&P audit
Plans for a city utility efficiency review are taking shape.
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R-E names executive editor, ad director
The Record-Eagle announced two promotions within the newspaper's management. Mike Tyree has been named executive editor. Mark Zucco is the new advertising director.
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State police honor officer with TC ties
The Michigan State Police presented its Lifesaving Award to Detective Lt. Michael Anderson, who grew up in Traverse City.
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'Occupalooza' to have concerts, talks
Occupy Traverse City will host "Occupalooza."
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TC man charged with resisting arrest
A Traverse City man faces two felony counts after police said he verbally and physically resisted arrest.
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Habitual DUI driver faces new charges
A man with a long history of drunken driving convictions faces multiple charges after police said he was caught driving with a blood-alcohol content more than three times the legal limit.
Continued ... - Monday, February 6, 2012
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Special Olympics begin this week
Nearly 800 Special Olympians will compete beginning Wednesday at three local locations in the 2012 State Winter Games.
Continued ... - Sunday, February 5, 2012
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Coast Guard rescues Manitou kayaker
The U.S. Coast Guard says an aircrew from its air station in Traverse City rescued a male kayaker who was stranded on South Manitou Island in northern Lake Michigan.
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