Girls from Ashland and Pottsville took home top honors Saturday at the Snowdrop/Snowflake Coronation Pageant at Pottsville Area High School.
Rachael Cataldo, 17, of Ashland, was named Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Snowflake Princess and Elena Holden, 8, of Pottsville, was crowned Snowdrop Princess.
Holden said she was surprised when her name was called as the winner by Henry H. Nyce, publisher of The Republican-Herald and master of ceremonies.
Holden, a third-grader at John S. Clarke Elementary Center, said she was excited but a little nervous at the start of the evening. Her mother, Lynn Holden, said she was very nervous.
“I was the wreck,” Lynn Holden said, adding she jumped up and down when her daughter was named the winner.
She said her daughter is very comfortable on stage in front of people.
“We’re very surprised. She’s just an amazing lady,” she said of Elena, adding she is very mature for her age.
Before announcing the winners, the girls had to answer a question from Nyce.
“If you could go to a famous country music awards show, what color dress or gown would you wear and why would you pick that color?” Nyce asked.
Holden said she would wear a gold dress because gold is her favorite color and her mother said the colors bring out her eyes.
Thirty-three girls competed for Snowdrop Princess this year. Along with Holden, the other finalists were Ella Grace Frantz, Brooke Palko, Hallie Elizabeth Yordy, Lauren Goodman and Ella Putalavage.
Cataldo, who attends North Schuylkill High School, said she felt blessed at her good fortune.
“It didn’t feel real. I am honestly shocked and grateful,” she said.
Cataldo thanked her family and friends, the other contestants and those who supported her.
During her question and answer session, Nyce asked Cataldo about music.
“Country music is gaining popularity. What music is on your playlist?” Nyce asked.
Cataldo said she likes almost any kind of music and her favorite song is “Follow Your Arrow.”
Cataldo said she wants to pursue forensic science after graduating high school.
There were 21 contestants vying for the Snowflake Princess title. The other five finalists were Eva Blankenhorn, Madalynne Schaeffer, Leah Eister, Samantha Gnall, and Jillian Mullin. Heather Faust, Schuylkill Haven, was awarded Miss Congeniality.
The 2015 Snowflake Princess Lucy Murray, Pottsville, received the Billy Payne Scholarship.
Billy Payne was presented a crown from Murphy Jewelers, a certificate and flowers in honor of her dedication to the event.
The 2015 Snowflake and Snowdrop princess shared a few words about their experiences over the past year.
2015 Snowdrop Princess Madison Eroh, 9, of Pottsville, told the girls to treasure the moments.
“Take a lot of pictures,” she said.
Murray is planning on leaving Pottsville this year to study in New Orleans. Her time in her role as Snowflake Princess taught her to appreciate her hometown.
“I couldn’t wait to get out,” she said, but realized that your hometown is special because of family, friends and the memories made here.
“Now I know what it means to be proud of your hometown,” she said.