PHS senior crowned Pear Blossom queen

PHOENIX ― Phoenix High School senior Maddy Mayer was crowned queen of the 69th annual Pear Blossom Festival at the conclusion of the pageant’s competition Saturday, March 26 at Cascade Christian High School.

Mayer’s victory over the other seven princesses is believed to be the first for a Phoenix High student since Abbigale Foster took the crown in 2009. Eagle Point High’s Cara Stanek was the first runner-up and North Medford High’s Jordan Sandler was the second runner-up.

Besides securing the right to represent the festival during the Pear Blossom parade on April 9, the win earned Mayer a $2,750 scholarship. It wasn’t easy. The girls are judged on school leadership skills, academic achievement, community involvement, an interview with the judges, the writing and presentation of a 300- to 350-word essay and on their answers to impromptu questions while on stage.

According to the pageant’s website, Mayer spoke about her qualifications and expectations should she become queen early on in the process. “I have been committed to student leadership over the past four years,” she said. “I believe I am a strong candidate to represent my school. Becoming Pear Blossom queen will allow me to grow, and will also give me the opportunity to learn about other strong young women in my community.”

Mayer is a member of the National Honor Society, mentors young athletes for the Phoenix-Talent School District’s Junior Pirate Athletic League and for the past three years has worked as the editor in chief of Phoenix High’s school yearbook. She’s also a two-sport athlete (soccer, track and field), two-time Skyline Conference honorable mention and works as a coach for the Rogue Valley Timbers soccer club.

Mayer plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a career in communications. Her ultimate goal is to work for a non-profit organization.