[Spokane, WA] At a coronation held on Saturday March 25 at the Bing Crosby Theater the Spokane Lilac Festival Association (SLFA) crowned the 2023 “Onward” Festival Queen, Queen Josephine Ortega from Medical Lake High School.
Queen Josephine is involved in the National Honor Society, golf team, a vocalist for the MLHS choir and plans to attend Gonzaga University in the fall of 2023.

In her speech Queen Josephine spoke about the military careers of both of her Mom and Dad. She shared about the hardships military kids must overcome while their parents protect our country and freedoms.

The SLFA Royal Court is comprised of seven senior girls selected from among regional high schools. The selection process begins in the fall, with the court being selected in February and the Queen named in March.

The Royal Court Princesses are:
Kate Spinden representing West Valley High School
Aidyn Whitehead representing Gonzaga Preparatory School
Maddie Champagne representing East Valley High School
Mercy Cummins representing Shadle Park High School
Lori Petroske representing Ferris High School
Kaitlyn Hawker representing Lewis & Clark High School

At the coronation, Royal Court Members were presented with a court scholarship. Additional Scholarships were presented including The Spirit of Lilac, Community Service, and Academic Achievement among others based on specific criteria.
Queen Josephine and Royal Court will represent the SLFA at the Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 7:45 p.m. and will travel with the SLFA Float to many community festivals across the Pacific Northwest this summer.

Kids of all ages are invited to meet and support the Royal Court at a Royal Tea Party held on Sunday, April 30, at the Historic Davenport Hotel, tickets can be found online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org.