National Cherry Queen candidates announced

TRAVERSE CITY -- The National Cherry Festival has announced its 19 queen candidates for the 2008 festival. A queens weekend is being held through Saturday at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. The five finalists will be announced at the culmination of that event.

-- Cora Bye, 19, of Traverse City, daughter of Steve and Sarah Jane Bye and Kay Harris. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2006 and now attends Alma College, where she is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and English. She is sponsored by By Candlelight Amish Furnishings.

-- Sarah M. Daniels, 23, of Madison Heights, daughter of Vickie M. Daniels and the late Paul V. Daniels. She graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 2003 and from Grand Valley State University in 2007 with a degree in psychology. She is sponsored by PDQ Accounting and Tax Service.

-- Emma E. Hanrahan, 19, of Traverse City, daughter of Paul and Jenny Hanrahan. She graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 2006 and now attends Eastern Michigan University, majoring in English with a focus on secondary education. She is planning to transfer to Central Michigan University in the fall. She is sponsored by J.L. Photography, C Quinns Hair Design and the Hanrahan and Swanson families.

-- Tiffany L. Homant, 21, of Traverse City, daughter of Jeffrey L. and Ashley A. Homant. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2005 and now attends Wayne State University, where she is majoring in occupation therapy. She is sponsored by Hidden Dog Fence of Northern Michigan.

-- Brooke Ann Keiser, 20, of Bellaire, daughter of Kevin and Jean Keiser. She graduated from Bellaire High School in 2006 and now attends Central Michigan University, majoring in mathematics and physical education at the secondary level. She is sponsored by Woodruff Family Chiropractic.

-- Maria R. LaCross, 21, of Cedar, daughter of Glenn and Judy LaCross. She graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools in 2004 and graduated from Michigan State University in 2008 with a degree in English. She is sponsored by the Leelanau Fruit Co.

-- Megan Lajko, 21, of Kingsley, daughter of Rob and Beth Lajko. She graduated from Kingsley High School in 2005 and now attends Northwestern Michigan College, majoring in secondary education. She is planning to transfer to Central Michigan University in the fall. She is sponsored by Century Inc.

-- Courtney Marshall, 20, of Ludington, daughter of Neil and Julie Marshall. She graduated from Ludington High School in 2006 and now attends the University of Michigan, majoring in political science. She is sponsored by the Cherry Hut, Maxwell Medals & Awards and John P. Marshall, DDS.

-- Angela Neumann, 21, of Cedar, daughter of Rudy and Jan Neumann. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 2005 and now attends Northern Michigan University, majoring in accounting and financial planning. She is sponsored by Valerio's Salon and Harbor Wear of Traverse City.

-- Stephanie Lynn Paulosky, 21, of Williamsburg, daughter of Karen Paulosky and the late Don Paulosky. She graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 2004 and now attends Aquinas College, majoring in communication and business administration. She is sponsored by Great Lakes Packing and Vincent P. Mack, DDS.

-- Sonya Plude, 21, of Charlevoix, daughter of Ken and Mary Plude. She graduated from Charlevoix Public High School in 2005 and now attends Michigan State University, majoring in agriscience education. She is sponsored by Royal Farms and Bonita Randall.

-- Jacqueline Pruder, 20, of Standish, daughter of Dennis and Cathy Pruder. She graduated from Standish-Sterling High School and now attends Eastern Michigan University, majoring in secondary-education English and theater arts. She is sponsored by the M. Arthur and Patreva Colby Memorial Fund, the Christian family, Shear Excitement, Arenac Bay Veterinary Clinic, the Michigan Sugar Co. and Terry Trombley, D.C.

-- Rachael Shelder, 21, of Grawn, daughter of Thomas and Valeda Shelder. She graduated from home school in 2005 and now attends Eastern Michigan University, majoring in occupational therapy. She is sponsored by attorney Karen J. Anspaugh, Traverse Bay Cabinet Co. and Circle M.

-- Heidi Sikarskie, 20, of Traverse City, daughter of Cal and Beth Sikarskie. She graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 2005 and now attends Ferris State University, majoring in business administration. She is sponsored by Olmsted Products Co.

-- Kendra Kaye Shimek, 19, of Maple City, daughter of Keith and Kellie Shimek. She graduated from Glen Lake High School in 2007 and now attends Northwestern Michigan College, majoring in education. She is sponsored by Boone Docks.

-- Taylor Smith, 22, of Caledonia, daughter of Bud and Patti Smith. She graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School in 2004 and now attends Michigan State University, majoring in crop and soil sciences and agronomy. She is sponsored by Green Grass, Hamilton Agronomy, Caledonia Farmers Elevator and Brink Farms.

-- Bethany Thomas, 21, of Kalamazoo, daughter of Debra and Mark Stephens. She graduated form Traverse City West Senior High in 2005 and now attends Western Michigan University, majoring in sales and business marketing. She is sponsored by Portfolio Hair and Day Spa and Double Diamond.

-- Megan Umulis, 20, of Interlochen, daughter of Ralph and Sheryl Umulis. She graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 2005 and now attends Michigan State University, majoring in advertising. She is sponsored by Six Lugs L.L.C. anad Cherry Bay Orchards.

-- Bailey Jo Yenglin, 18, of Charlevoix, daughter of Dan and Barb Yenglin. She graduated from Charlevoix High School in 2007 and now attends Grand Valley State University, majoring in engineering and product design. She is sponsored by Market Technologies.