Royalty Process Testimonials

These girls also had a lot going on their senior year. Hear what was challenging for them as they balanced school, sports, personal life, and running for Royalty. Spoiler: every one of them said it was worth it!

Below are stories and reflections from former Top 10 Candidates and Royalty Members who share what the process was really like for them. Some of these testimonials are written, and others are shared through video, but each gives a unique perspective on the experience.

As you read and watch, we hope you feel encouraged to apply and attend the Mandatory Meetings to see what the Royalty Process is all about. Their experiences were not always easy, but they were so worth it. Each girl shares how she was challenged, how she grew, and what she learned about herself along the way.

This process is about so much more than becoming Queen or Princess. It is about confidence, growth, and finding strength both within and outside your comfort zone.

The girls respond to questions such as:
• What motivated you to run for Royalty, and what made you say “yes” to the process?
• What was your biggest fear before applying, and how did that change once you got started?
• How did the process help you grow in confidence or step outside your comfort zone?
• What did you learn about public speaking or interviewing that still helps you today?
• What was the most challenging part of the experience, and how did you handle it?
• What’s your favorite memory from your time as a candidate?
• What advice would you give to a senior girl who’s unsure if she should run?
• If you could go back and do it all over again, would you? Why or why not?
• Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a candidate?

We know this process brings many questions and uncertainties, but we hope these testimonials help you see how rewarding and transformative the experience can be. Give running for Royalty a shot — you might learn more about yourself than you ever expected.

2025 Top 10 Candidate Testimonials

What motivated you to run for Royalty, and what made you say “yes” to the process?

1. I wanted to run for royalty because I knew the special impact they have on the apple blossom festival and the public. I felt as if it was a right of passage to experienceApple blossom as a young woman going through the royalty process no matter how far you go. I also told myself, “why not?” It’s such a unique opportunity to Wenatchee, so why not take a risk and have a memorable experience! - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. I honestly was not really sure that I wanted to run, but my mom was someone who truly motivated me to step out of my comfort zone to try something new, and reminded me that it was a once in a lifetime experience. This made me realize that it was an opportunity that I did not want to regret not doing later on. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. To be very transparent, it was my mother who made me attend the very first meeting. I was extremely hesitant and overwhelmed by the amount of people participating and every detail that came with being a part of this Top Ten process, but knowing how beneficial it would be for me to have this type of unique experience, the type of opportunities and skills I could inhabit that came with everything, I made the decision to fill out my application that night. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. From a young age growing up in the Wenatchee Valley, I think every little girl dreams of being up on the Apple Blossom Royalty float, and this was no exception to myself. I think in my case, I owed it to the little girl inside me to run and try, even if I didn’t make it past the preliminary round. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

What was your biggest fear before applying, and how did that change once you got started?

1. My biggest fear was failure after putting myself out there for the whole valley. Well that did happen to me when I didn’t win, but it didn’t feel like a failure. I had never felt more loved on and supported by my valley than through this process. Everyone is encouraging you and wants you to be a part of the process. As soon as I had my first top 10 selection rehearsal I realized how much effort the community puts into each individual girl to be successful. - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

1. My biggest fear was probably not being sure about what to expect because the Apple Blossom Festival plays a huge role in our community, and public speaking was definitely a big fear of mine. Something that changed that fear significantly was getting to know all of the Eastmont girls, and how comfortable we grew with each other. Our weekly practices became something that I looked forward to, and it grew my confidence because of the support I received from the girls and mentors. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. I have never been an outgoing social person, so being is this new environment was very new and out of my comfort zone, especially with the doom of having to public speak. I had no previous experiences giving a speech to a crowd, so the very thought was nerve wrecking. Once I got to meet Deb and Jesse at Eastmont, along the rest of the Eastmont girls I had recognized, we all became very supportive of one another and was able to use my voice out loud. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. I would say my biggest fear was not fitting in with the rest of the girls who were running. Once we started having preliminary practices and even when being in the Top 10, I quickly learned that all the girls around me had a good heart and intentions, and I felt welcome with everyone I was surrounded with. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

How did the process help you grow in confidence or step outside your comfort zone?

1. This process definitely helped me grow in public speaking, interviewing, and I hardly feel embarrassed anymore. Being a public figure I. Wenatchee for a couple months really helps you learn to laugh at your mistakes and grow from them. I take myself way less seriously now, and have more confidence in myself. This process also brought me several skills that I have already taken with me since leaving the process. - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

1. Growing connections and the encouragement from the girls going through the same process was something that allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. All the growth I had from being a candidate, I give credit to the other nine girls working beside me in the ten of 2024. We were all in the same position, under the same type of pressure and responsibilities within the Apple Blossom Royalty process, and because of that I feel we were very connected with everything going on. I had so much fun exploring the different events around Wenatchee, dancing backstage during rehearsals, practicing our speeches with one another and sharing the same worries we had. The support we gave each other and all of them being so uplifting, I hold it all so close to my heart even now. I felt safe enough to be my own authentic self. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. The Apple Blossom Royalty process definitely helped me grow faith in myself. While I had definitely had experience in front of crowd before Apple Blossom, it’s a completely different sensation to speak alone, in front of countless people all while being televised and live streamed for the whole world to see. Even during preliminaries, I had no choice but to face my fears, get up on that stage, and say what I needed to say, but I definitely believe it helped me for the better. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

What did you learn about public speaking or interviewing that still helps you today?

1. I learned the importance of being yourself. Don’t answer how you think they want you too. Feel free to bring humor into your speech/interview. Be raw and vulnerable during the process. Perfection doesn’t exist and you will fumble at some point during the process so don’t aim for perfection. I also learned to think on the spot and quickly formulate answers without having much time to prepare. This is helping me right now as I have interviews for my nursing program in 2 days! - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. Learning about public speaking and interviews is one of the things that has stuck with me the most and has helped me during school and a lot of scholarship interviews that are done during the senior year of high school. Learning how to sit, dress, and speak during an interview was something that boosted my confidence by a lot, and made me feel prepared for handling important interviews. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. When asked questions during interviews, do not be afraid to take that steady pause to think about your answers before speaking. They want your full and honest responses and hear your thoughts in order to get to know you. As for public speaking and giving a speech, change your tone as you talk to match the story you are telling so that the crowd can keep their attention on you and be enthralled. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. One of the most important skills I learned regarding public speaking was to pace myself. As a native Spanish speaker, I’ve always talked in a fast pace, and it was hard for me to break this habit of mine especially during nerve wracking moments in Apple Blossom. I learned that sometimes it’s best and easier to slow down and let myself take a little more time to process my words and the ideas I’m trying to get through. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

What was the most challenging part of the experience, and how did you handle it?

1. The most challenging part of the process is balancing school, athletics, clubs, college applications, and Apple Blossom. It can definitely be overwhelming, but it’s so doable. Lean on your family, friends, coaches, and teachers. Ask for help, and don’t be afraid to be honest with being stressed. People will help you and want you to be your best for the Apple Blossom process. Also remember every girl involved in the process is going through the same thing. - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. The busy schedule that comes with the Top Ten is something that was for sure challenging, but it also taught me how to manage my time while doing running start, and having extra curricular activities at the high school. It helped me learn how to balance my relationships and fit them into my schedule to maintain a healthy balance. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. Definitely time management — balancing all my work in school, keeping up with exams and my studying, along with writing and memorizing a whole speech for Top Ten. Of course there were numerous occasions where I felt overwhelmed, but also because of it I have taken and utilized these very same skills present day! - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. I would say that the most challenging part of my experience was juggling all the different aspects of my life while being in the Top 10. I won’t lie and say that it’s easy, because it isn’t. During my senior year, I was also a second-year college student at WVC and it was difficult for me to manage all of our Apple Blossom activities as well as my college school work and high school extracurriculars, while still trying to have time for yourself. I handled this by taking the time to speak to all my professors and teachers as soon as possible to let them know of my extra-busy schedule (most of them are from our community and understand the process!), and still prioritizing my self-care at the end of the week whenever I found the time to. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

What’s your favorite memory from your time as a candidate?

1. My favorite memory from my time as a candidate was the spicy chip interview with Wenatchee World. I’ve never laughed so hard in my entire life. I was also the 2nd girl to go which meant I got to watch 8 girls complete the challenge. I also loved working with the Wenatchee world staff. They were also hilarious and very excited to torture us with hot sauce! - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. One of my favorite memories has to be the rehearsal for pageant night, once we all had our dresses on and were all dancing together on the stage with the stage crew, and letting it all sink in. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. My favorite memory as a candidate was right before the big announcement for awards and royalty. The bittersweetness of knowing our journey was coming to a close. but being so happy we had all made it and the excitement I had for all of them, I got to soak in our final laughs, smiles, and words of encouragement for what was to happen. All the while we felt so confident and beautiful in our glam and gowns! - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. My two favorite memories would definitely be our hangout at Ceci’s house as well as pageant night! There’s something so special about being all dolled up with your girls ready to hit the stage, culminating our month-long process. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

What advice would you give to a senior girl who’s unsure if she should run?

1. RUN!!! You have nothing to lose, but you could regret not doing it. It’s such a fun and rewarding process that is too special to pass up! - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. The only advice I can give is to just go for it! You honestly learn so much about yourself, and I believe running for royalty gives you an experience that is unlike other. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that not everyone gets to experience so make the most out of it and most importantly, have fun! - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. With full confidence I say this is an opportunity you want to take. Regardless of what you may think the outcome will be, you will know you gave it a chance, and have no regrets later on. Not only that, but at any point you will walk out with a whole new set of skills and experience, and also will have built new connections and relationships within your community. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. My biggest piece of advice to senior girls who are unsure if they should run is that they’ll never know unless they try. I would’ve NEVER thought that I’d even be chosen for the Top 10 in a million years, but if I hadn’t taken that initial leap of faith I would’ve never gotten that experience. I can’t explain in words what it feels like to be supported by your whole community during the month-long Top 10 process, but it’s a memory I wouldn’t ever trade for the world. - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

If you could go back and do it all over again, would you? Why or why not?

1. I would do it again. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it gave me experiences that I will forever remember. The people I met through the process are some of the most kind and supportive people. Apple Blossom is a passion for them, and they work so hard for us. I loved every moment of the process and wish it was longer so I could enjoy it longer - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. I would 100% do it all over again because it's such a beautiful thing to be part of, and the memories and connections you will create from it are like no other. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. If I were given the chance to relive my exact experience with the same girls again, I would do it. The group was so much fun, the chaperones so welcoming and supportive, and being involved with such an exiting part of history in Wenatchee, I would want to feel that same sense of warmth and unity. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. Yes! Apple Blossom not only helps girls grow their confidence, but we learn useful interviewing skills that helped me along the road with scholarships, jobs, and internships, as well as valuable social connections with various people across our community. The Apple Blossom Pageant is one unlike any other, something so unique to our community and its traditions that can’t be replicated anywhere else. I’ll always be grateful to myself that I took the chance to experience this my senior year! - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a candidate?

1. Just be yourself😊🩷 - Ava Smeller, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

2. Applying for the Top Ten and then royalty is something that seems so stressful from looking at calendars and timelines, but taking it day by day and using your time wisely will help you so much. Another thing is to always communicate to Apple Blossom directors, teachers/professors, and bosses, they will always want the best for you and want to see you thriving regardless of the situation. - Mia Tostado, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

3. Remember to always enjoy and be your true authentic self. Utilize all the support you have around you, especially from the chaperones. Most importantly, remember that you and the rest of the girls are in the same boat. Be as supportive and kind to each other as possible, because it will make everything more enjoyable and worth it. - Esty Gonzalez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate

4. Apple Blossom is something so unique to our community, and especially for the girls who run. I still talk about my experience whenever I get the chance to, I promise you won’t regret running! - Betsy Gomez, 2025 Top 10 Candidate