16 young women competing in the Apple Blossom Royalty pageant from Wenatchee High School spoke in the WHS auditorium today.

The 16 students were given the prompt, “My advice to you is…” and were told to create a two- to three-minute speech addressing the topic. Candidates spoke about themes such as traveling, societal image, how to spend time, the impact of words, and even the motto YOLO (you only live once).

The 16 candidates from Wenatchee High School are: Rosa Espinosa, Claire Johnston, Gabriela Rodriguez, Amy Sand, Zayra Cavillo, Paige Chvilicek, Melaina Cook, Mckenna Norland, Judith Torres, Jalen DeShazer, Emily Prieto, Kacey Lee, Alissa Riker, Jerissa Fisch, Adelina Cabrera, and Lanae Rodriguez.

The audience was given a ballot and told to choose their top five candidates out of the 16 competitors.

At 6 p.m. tonight the top 10 candidates will be announced at the Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee.