On Saturday, February 28, seven Spokane County high school seniors were selected to represent the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) as members of the 2026 “Embrace” Royal Court.
The seven Royal Court members began their journey late last year, when area highs schools in Spokane County were eligible to select a representative from among the senior class to represent their school as an Ambassador to the SLFA Royalty Scholarship & Development Program.
Beginning in early January, the 17 Ambassadors participated in an eight-week preparation course in character-building and servant-leadership with a strengthened focus on community service, integrity, and teamwork. After a series of interviews and presentations, the Royal Court was selected.
The members of the 2026 “Embrace” Royal Court are:
- Ava Hubble – University High School
- Ava Payne – East Valley High School
- Chloe Nelson – Spokane Valley Tech
- Hayden Bowdish – Cheney High School
- Kahlan Cartmell – Shadle Park High School
- Naliesha Richardson- Gonzaga Preparatory School
- Simone Kaczmark – Lewis & Clark High School
Together, the 2026 Lilac Festival Royal Court holds a 3.865 cumulative grade point average and reflects excellence across academics, athletics and the arts. The seven members are honor students, varsity athletes, award-winning speech and debate competitors, and student body officers who have earned regional, state and national recognition while balancing rigorous coursework and leadership responsibilities. Collectively, they have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to local nonprofits, hospitals, faith communities and advocacy organizations.
The Royal Court will make their first public appearance on Saturday, March 14 at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Parade in downtown Spokane.
On Saturday March 28, the SLFA will crown the 2026 “Embrace” Festival Queen from among the members of the Royal Court at a coronation held at 4:30 p.m. at the Spokane Community College Auditorium, 1810 N Greene Street. Tickets are now available for purchase here, $15 for adults and $5 for students.
The Queen and Royal Court will represent Spokane at the 88th Annual Spokane Lilac Festival culminating in the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. and will travel with the SLFA Float to over one dozen community festivals across the Pacific Northwest.
An album of the Royal Court members can be found here.
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About the Spokane Lilac Festival
Founded in 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival is one of the city’s longest-standing traditions, celebrating community, youth, and military appreciation. Each May, the Festival brings thousands together to enjoy events culminating in the nation’s largest Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. More about the festival can be found at www.spokanelilacfestival.org.
