[Spokane, WA] Introducing the Spokane Lilac Festival Association’s (SLFA) 2025 “To Spokane, With Love” Festival Queen, Queen Raegan of University High School. Queen Raegan was selected at the annual Queen & Court Coronation held on Sunday, March 30 at the Spokane Community College Auditorium.
Queen Raegan holds a 3.77 GPA, is involved in cheerleading, volleyball, Crimson Crew, National Honor Society, and is ASB president. She volunteers with Unified Sports, coaching cheerleading and volleyball. Raegan is committed to Saint Mary’s College of California on the President’s Scholarship, and plans to earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Administration.
In a prepared speech, each Royal Court member reflected on how they’ve used their time, talents, and treasures to make their community better, and how that’s made an impact on them. Queen Raegan spoke about what community means to her. “Throughout my life in Spokane I have been a part of multiple communities, some big, some small, but all unique in their own way. Despite their differences, these are the places I’ve felt belonged.” Commenting on a special needs student she got to know as part of a yearbook assignment, Queen Raegan shared his need to feel like he belonged. “Building a strong community is nothing short of rewarding,” she said. “…when you give back to others, you remain dedicated to building that community up, but just as important, it encourages others to do the same. Because overall, at the end of the day, like my friend, we all just want to be treated equally.”
The SLFA Royal Court is composed of seven young women from among 19 candidates identified by Spokane County high schools. The selection process began in the fall at each individual school, with the seven member Royal Court being selected on March 1.
The Royal Court Princesses are:
- Abby Thorleifson, representing Mead High School
- Savanna Potts, representing Lewis & Clark High School
- Bethany Olstad, representing Ridgeline High School
- Charlize Thomas, representing Central Valley High School
- Paige Tobin, representing North Central High School
- Addy Fazio, representing Northwest Christian Schools
At the coronation, over $30,000 in scholarships were presented to the Royal Court Members. Each Court Member receives a court scholarship, and additional scholarships were presented including the Spirit of Lilac, Community Service, and Academic Achievement, among others.
Queen Raegan and Royal Court will represent the SLFA at the Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in downtown Spokane on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 pm and will travel with the SLFA Float to close to one dozen community festivals across the Pacific Northwest and Canada this summer. The Spokane Lilac Festival is presented by Signature Sponsor, BECU, and the parade will be broadcast by the SLFA’s official media sponsor Nonstop Local KHQ & SWX. Nonstop Local KHQ & SWX.
Kids of all ages are invited to meet and support the Royal Court at the annual Royal Tea Party held on Sunday, April 27, at the historic Davenport Hotel, tickets can be found online at www.spokanelilacfestival.org/events.
