A shiny, purple background shimmers on the stage. Seventeen chairs line the front as 17 smiling faces walk slowly across the stage. The exterior of the smiles show cool composure, while speeches run through their minds, their best days playing out behind their eyes.

“I was very nervous, all I was thinking about was not forgetting what I was going to say,” senior Devyn Blakney said. “I was also really excited. We had a great group of girls. They were all pumping each other up backstage.”

After the speeches were given, the girls all celebrated as the curtain closed.

“After [I gave my speech] I was going over what I could [have] done better, but I was also more relaxed. It was kind of a weight off my shoulders,” Blakney said.

The Apple Blossom royalty has been a Wenatchee Valley tradition since 1920. This contest gathers Wenatchee High School, Eastmont High School, and River Academy senior girls with a 2.5 GPA or above to compete for scholarship money, and the chance at a crown. The Apple Blossom queen and two princesses are chosen from the top 10 individuals who were chosen on Jan. 14 at the Wenatchee Performing Arts Center. These top 10 individuals include five girls from Eastmont High School, and five girls from Wenatchee High School.

“I didn’t think I was going to be very nervous, but it hit me. The girls were so supportive. We were singing and dancing before we went on stage, trying to shake off the nerves. Once I went on stage, it kind of went away. That was a huge blessing,” senior Francesca Nevil said.

If chosen to be in the top 10, a full schedule of events await the candidates. Everything from apple handouts to makeup how-to’s make up the list of activities the candidates must participate in.

“It (Apple Blossom) is something I’m really passionate about, and I really want to do,” Nevil said.