Ashley Wright Crowned 2006 Michigan Apple Queen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gretchen Mensing
(800) 456-2753
Grand Rapids, Mich. – Ashley Wright was crowned the 2006 Michigan Apple Queen last week at the annual pageant held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The pageant is held as a part of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo each year.
Wright, 18, of Belding, is the daughter, granddaughter and niece of apple growers. She is a student at Montcalm Community College, pursuing a degree in sign language.
The first and second runners-up are Jessica Rasch of Conklin and Sarah Heffron of Belding, respectively. Rasch is a student at Grand Valley State University, and Heffron is a high school senior.
The 2005 Michigan Apple Queen, Paula Fisher, ended her reign at the pageant by giving a presentation recapping her eventful year as queen, and crowning Wright.
The pageant is presented by the Michigan Apple Committee and staged by the Michigan State Horticultural Society Auxiliary. Candidates for Michigan Apple Queen must be between the ages of 17 and 23, and must have a link to the industry. Contestants are judged on a number of features, including poise, professionalism and knowledge of the apple industry.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.