Top 10 Selection
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Numerica Peforming Arts Center
Candidate “Get to Know You”
Tuesday Morning (Jan 13) at the at the Wenatchee Convention Center (NOT open to the public)
The Preliminary Candidates running for Royalty will introduce themselves, be asked a series of questions from their bio, and a few impromptu questions. Not open to the public.5 out-of-town judges scores account for 50% of total Top 10 score
Top 10 Speeches
Tuesday Afternoon (Jan 13) @ 1:00 pm at the Numerica PAC (OPEN to the public and streamed live via NCWLIFE)
Senior Girls from the Wenatchee and Eastmont School Districts will present their 2-3 minute long speeches, each on the same topic. Open to the public, and streamed lived on NCWLIFE.5 out-of-town judges scores account for the remaining 50% of total Top 10 score
Top 10 Announcement
Tuesday Evening (Jan 13) @ 6:00 pm at the Numerica PAC (OPEN to the public and streamed live via NCWLIFE)
The Top 10 Announcement will be held in the evening. 5 girls from the Wenatchee School District and 5 girls from the Eastmont School District will be chosen.
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is excited to introduce the 24 Royalty Candidates. Representing both the Eastmont School District (E) and the Wenatchee School District (W), these outstanding senior girls will compete for the opportunity to become one of the Top 10 candidates who will then vie for the Royal Court of the 107th Festival.
A special thank you to Parsons Photography for capturing the candidates’ headshots.
The Royalty Selection Pageant, sponsored by Cashmere Valley Bank, will take place at 7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center.
2026 Top 10 Judges
These five out-of-town judges will be selecting the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Top Ten from twenty-four amazing candidates. Those selected will move on to the Selection Pageant on Saturday, February 14 at 7:00 PM at the Numerica Performing Arts Center.
Jayden Gilmore
From Seattle, Washington
Jayden is the Community Relations Specialist in the Seattle market for Gesa Credit Union. Jayden holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Washington State University. In his current role, he manages strategic partnerships and community engagement for one of the largest credit unions in Washington State. In addition, he collaborates with non-profit organizations through passionate philanthropic contributions and compassionately believes in the motto of people helping people. In his previous role as the Marketing Coordinator for the state's largest podiatry clinic, he has results-driven leadership experience in healthcare marketing while also being a dedicated advocate for holistic patient health. Outside of his professional life, he loves to travel domestically and abroad, experiencing different food, music, and cultures. He believes that Washington is one of the most beautiful states to live in, and some of his favorite activities are skiing, kayaking, and going to the beach. He is a proud supporter of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders, as soccer is the sport he grew up playing. And while he may be a Coug, he does have a Siberian Husky named Luca that he loves.
Caroline Lackman
From Seattle, Washington
Caroline Lackman is a Tampa, Florida native and a Certified Public Accountant currently working as an auditor with Ernst & Young. She is a former competitive dancer and high school dance team member, and was honored with the “Best Leader” award at a University of Florida Leadership & Entrepreneurship program. She attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned her degree in Accounting and served as House Manager for her Tri Delta chapter. Ole Miss is also where she met her soon-to-be husband, Jake Jones. Following graduation, Caroline returned to Tampa to earn her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Tampa. Caroline moved to Seattle a little over two years ago and has since fallen in love with the beauty of Washington. From 2022 to 2023, Caroline served as the Queen of Gasparilla, Tampa’s historic annual pirate festival dating back to 1904. During her reign, she began a new tradition for Gasparilla Queens of visiting children’s hospitals before parade week, bringing beads, toys, and joy to young patients throughout the community— an experience that remains especially meaningful to her.
Outside of her professional life, Caroline loves to travel, bake, cook, be on the water and spend time with her family and friends. She is honored to be part of the Apple Blossom Festival and looks forward to celebrating the spirit, talent, and traditions of this wonderful community.
Jeana Steiner
From Manson, Washington
Jeana is a dedicated wife and mother of three boys, as well as a farmer, winemaker, and pharmacist. She and her husband Chad, whom she met through their Sumner high school FFA program, have been married for 20 years. A graduate of Washington State University with a Doctor of Pharmacy, Jeana practiced pharmacy in several states before she and Chad took a leap of faith in 2018 and moved to Manson, Washington. There, they founded Chelan Valley Farms and Lagriōth Winery, focusing on regenerative organic agriculture. They grow grapes, apples, flowers, berries and pumpkins. They host over 500 children each fall for educational field trips, connecting kids to the origins of their food. A former Daffodil Queen, Jeana is delighted to bring her passion for agriculture and community to the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival as a judge this year.
Rueben Mayes
From Pullman, Washington
Rueben Mayes is the regional (Eastern and Central WA) partnerships and philanthropy officer at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He leverages his passion for people, leadership, and philanthropy to generate essential resources in support of Seattle Children’s. His success as a two-time college All-American, National College Hall of Fame inductee, NFL Rookie of the Year, and multi-year NFL Pro Bowl selectee opens many doors and builds rapport beyond his 30-year leadership and fundraising career. He earned his MBA in 2000.
Rueben works closely with Seattle Children’s staff, regional clinics, partners, donors, and volunteers to grow philanthropic investment for key priorities. He is also an active member of the hospital’s regional external affairs team. Rueben has been married for over 37 years to Marie Mayes (both WSU alumni) and they have two sons, Logan and Kellen. His hobbies include gardening, cooking, swimming, and snow skiing.
Melissa Arias
From Bothell, Washington
Melissa Arias serves as the Chief Chapter Advancement Officer for Make-A-Wish America. Melissa is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategy, organizational effectiveness, and innovation. She has built and led high-performing teams across non-profit and higher education organizations, achieving financial and programmatic success. As the CCAO for Make-A-Wish America, the largest wish-granting organization in the United States, Melissa is committed to supporting chapter success and innovation to reach every eligible child. Her role bridges chapters and the national office, enhancing operational and programmatic growth. She leads a team providing individualized consulting, program and policy support, educational opportunities, shared services, and other resources. Melissa co-creates best practices with chapter leaders to elevate and scale innovative solutions for efficient and effective program delivery.
Before joining Make-A-Wish America, she was the CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington, Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement & External Relations at the University of Washington and held senior development roles at various organizations. Before moving to the non-profit sector, Melissa was an attorney in private legal practice. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. Melissa has also completed a certificate in non-profit management and other educational programs focused on non-profit leadership and fundraising. Melissa is passionate about working on behalf of children and families and concentrates her volunteerism in that space. She is a member of various boards and professional organizations.
