ByGeorge!

April 19, 2005

GW’s Blossoming Princesses

By Julie Woodford

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a unique celebration in Washington, DC. As part of the festivities all 50 states and six territories select students to represent them as Cherry Blossom Princess based on academic and leadership achievements. This year two GW students received that honor. Meggie Baker, a senior majoring in criminal justice represented South Carolina, and Hunter Higgison, a senior majoring in women’s studies and minoring in communications represented the District of Columbia.

The Cherry Blossom Princess program has been a feature of the festival since 1948. The princesses participate in many community events in our nation’s capital that focus on educational, leadership, and government opportunities.

“I feel as though I am seeing the city for the first time,” said Higgison. “I have had several experiences this week that I do not think most Washingtonians, or people from around the world will ever have the chance to do.”

“It gives me a chance to show how much pride I have for my home state and my country,” added Baker. “It means being able to meet and learn from 50-plus other strong, successful, and talented women from around the US and the world.”

The week of busy events ranged from visits to the FBI center and the White House, where they were greeted by First Lady Laura Bush; embassy, museum, and school tours; attending a Crossfire telecast, and culminating in a ride down Constitution Ave. in the Cherry Blossom Parade.


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