2019 Rose Queen says farewell

It has been the most memorable year any girl could dream of. The people, the places and moments that were made are forever cherished as the new pageant comes closer and closer every day as Queen.

Now, if you personally know me, I am a very honest person. They don't call me "Pinky Pie" for just any reason.

I believe being yourself can get you far because it has given me the privilege to be on this stage in front of every single person.

Growing up I knew my life was going to be different from other people because I began to notice I didn't have what other kids had, but I didn't let that dull my light and from that day forward, the disadvantages and struggles never fazed me. I never gave up and kept moving forward. I hope to inspire the youth and even adults for their upbringing.

Living in Wasco has blessed me with so many friends and families who are supportive. I was reminded every day that this is a town that is a family. Help is always a phone call away.

As the Queen of Wasco, I made an appearance at many events. My first was the Wine and Roses Friday sponsored by the Orange Heart Foundation after the pageant.

The following day I made an appearance at the Wasco Historical Museum for a ribbon cutting followed by the Cars and Spars Show. I attended the Bengals Homecoming, the grand opening of Cakes by Karen and was honored to show up as Miss Wasco for our Homecoming Community rally. I also announced and gave away trophies to our Tiger Production Homecoming Week celebration. I also appeared at the Homecoming game where I was able to crown King Rodrick Scott and Queen Alynna Gonzales.

The following day I appeared at the Wasco Festival that is put together by amazing community members. We are so blessed to have these great traditions that will last forever. Keep up the amazing work.

At the festival, I met so many young children, and I was happy to hug them and feel their happiness! As the 51st Rose Queen, I was excited to run into the very first Rose Queen Anita Miller at the Wasco Festival. That is a memory I will never forget.

That very same day, I attended the 5th Annual Wasco Music Festival hosted by the Orange Heart Foundation where our 2019 Grand Marshals Danny and Petra Rueda and Tina and Ken Newman, and featured artist Shirrel Sanford were present. This group is very sweet and caring and gives a lot to our town. I am glad I met them.

Following that, I attended the new elementary school, James Forrest, for Red Ribbon Week. At that event I was able to inspire young students to pledge to "Saying No to Drugs."

Following Red Ribbon Week, I attended the 50th Elks Anniversary at the Elks Lodge where I was able to mingle and spend time with our community.

I also attended Teresa Burke's ASES program along with my royal family of First and Second-Runners-Up Sihomara Navaro and Haylee Nunez and Sihomara Navaro, where we performed our talents.

The following day, I attended the Ronald McDonald Run, which was a great time at Teresa Burke. In addition, I joined New Generation and Grace Community churches to help serve our community by giving free Thanksgiving lunches.

As December arrived, I attended the Wasco Christmas Tree lighting and parade where I got to see the faces of our community light up. I crowned the Snowball King and Queen Haylee Nunez and Edduardo Saldana.

I was also at the FFA Donkey Basketball game where I sang the National Anthem and worked the scoreboard. My last two events were a little different because of the covid-19 pandemic. I attended the ribbon cutting for Panda Express where everyone wore a mask, as well as a mini virtual event by sharing a positive video. I strived to inspire through this time.

During my reign, the community struggled through a pandemic. It was a time of uncertainty. I could not have chosen a better year than 2020 to be Queen although I felt as if my duties as Queen were cut short during this time. I knew in the end I would find my purpose as Queen and it is being here sharing this with you all.

We will get through this and we will keep fighting because we are Tiger STRONG!

I would like to send my condolences to the families in our community who lost loved ones to covid-19. I would also like to send my prayers to those who are affected as well.

Throughout my reign, I wasn't alone. I had so much love and support; I would like to thank my mom for working hard and putting a roof over my head. I would also like to thank my Galactic Gals, each and every one of you girls holds a special place in my heart. I would also like to thank my close friends for supporting me during my reign as well as driving me to my events. Thank you to my favorite chaperone Amanda Rodriguez. Amanda has a heart of gold. Thank you for making me feel confident inside and outside.

I would also like to thank Lisa Hussey for being the best seamstress, David Armendariz and the Cordova family for making my talent song mixture possible. I also want to thank last year's stage crew for rooting me on and setting up my props before performing, I also want to thank Debbie Mehlberg, Hailey Coyle, Sydney Mehlberg and Nicole Sanchez, aka Coach Coco. You all surprise me with your creativity and love that you put into each pageant. It couldn't have happened without you. It is greatly appreciated.

I would also like to thank the De la Rosa family for supporting me and treating me like their own; my sponsors, the Wasco Woman's Club; and my escort Ruben Macias for making the pageant experience stress-free and memorable. Every Queen needs her King.

In closing, Wasco will always be my forever home and thank you for loving and accepting me as your Rose Queen.

To Miss Wasco 2020, it is your time to inspire. Soak every moment in because in the blink of an eye, you'll wish you could go back to this very night and start over again. So embrace the beautiful sparkling crown and own it with pride and humbleness. Remember this town is filled with past queens so if you ever need a helping hand, do not hesitate to ask.

I ask of you to make a difference in your community and always be you because you are Miss Wasco. A Queen of a town filled with love.

Sincerely,

Rose Queen 2019 Elisa Flores