2026 Top 10 Candidates
The Top 10 Candidates for the 107th Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Royalty were announced Tuesday, January 13. Vying for the 2026 Queen and two Princesses are:
(W) Wenatchee School District (E) Eastmont School District
Darcy Mejia Sanchez, daughter of Roy & Laura Mejia (W)
Melani Tovar, daughter of Luis & Noemi Tovar (W)
Parker Averi, daughter of Jaime Hamilton and Ryan Hevly (W)
Abigail Walker, daughter of Afrine Hill-Walker, and Gregory & Tashna Walker (W)
Elizabeth Nikolas, daughter of Jake & Whitney Smith, and Jonathon & Amanda Nikolas (E)
Avary Anantatmula, daughter of Brian & Melinda Anantatmula (E)
Kamryn Reynolds, daughter of Justin & Jennifer Reynolds (E)
Kaylee Pearsons, daughter of Kent & Debbie Pearsons (E)
Brielle Precht, daughter of Kevin & Julianne Precht (E)
Briannah Machado, daughter of Pablo & Patricia Machado (E)
The Top 10 Candidates will be spending the month leading up to Pageant being interviewed by radio and TV stations, touring many local businesses and attending speech, makeup, media and etiquette lessons in preparation for the Royalty Selection Pageant, sponsored by Cashmere Valley Bank on Saturday, February 14 at 7:00pm at the Numerica Performing Arts Center. $31,000 in scholarships will be awarded Pageant Night with the Queen receiving a $10,000 scholarship and each Princess receiving a $5,000 scholarship. Pageant tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 20 online only through the Numerica Performing Arts Center.
Abigail Walker
Abigail Walker is the daughter of Gregory Walker and Afrine Hill-Walker. Abigail attends The Wenatchee High School where she is involved in The Wenatchee leadership Ignite, a proud member at that, Intro to leadership ASB and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). In her spare time, Abigail enjoys playing basketball,baking, traveling and helping the attendance ladies at her school however she can. After graduation, she plans to serve her country as a proud Marine of the United States.
Abigail’s favorite TV show is Young Sheldon or watching family feud with Steave Harvy and her favorite movie is Miss Congeniality. Her favorite song is “Shine Bright Like A Diamond” by Rhinana, and her favorite book is The Bible by King James. She is most inspired by The Story of Jesus, and her most treasured keepsake is a scarf gifted by my grandmother as a family heirloom.
Abigail’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is Watching Hockey Games and riding bikes in the summer across the valley with her dad. Her proudest moment in life was getting the opportunity to represent her school through something she loved. If Abigail could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with myself because her story is just getting started. Abigail feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because she is proud of her valley and its people . She also wants to give back to her community by representing them and filling it with even more love than it already has.
Avary Anantatmula
Avary is the daughter of Brian and Melinda Anantatmula. Avary is the President of Key Club and National Honors society and captain for the Tennis team. Avary has been a piano student in Lisa Sauer’s Studio for nine years, participates in the Tennis Academy at the WRAC, and actively participates in her church youth group. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, practicing the piano, and playing games with her family. After graduation, Avary plans to attend Brigham Young University.
Avary’s favorite TV Show is Psych and her favorite movie is How to Train Your Dragon. Her favorite song is “Vienna” by Billy Joel and her favorite books are the Renegades trilogy by Marissa Meyers. She is most inspired by her younger sister and her most treasured keepsake is the necklace her mom gave her.
Avary’s favorite things to do in the Wenatchee Valley are walking on the Loop Trail, fishing the Columbia, and going to the library. Her proudest moment in life was earning a Superior Plus national-level ranking for her piano performance at eleven years old. If Avary could trade places with anyone for the day, she would trade places with Bill Nye the Science Guy. Avary feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she loves volunteering for various organizations around town, making connections with new people, and has a great appreciation for the strong community.
Briannah Machado
Briannah is the daughter of Patricia and Pablo Machado. She is involved in Key Club, MEChA, MESA, and serves as a Link Leader at Eastmont High School. Briannah works as a sales associate at Kris Kringl in Leavenworth and as a daycare assistant in Wenatchee. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, cooking, baking, reading, grocery shopping, and listening to music. After graduation, Briannah plans to study biology and pursue a career in orthodontics.
Briannah’s favorite TV show is Fuller House and her favorite movie is Ratatouille. Her favorite song is “Who Knows” by Daniel Caesar, and her favorite book is Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo. She is most inspired by her mom, and her most treasured keepsake is the Virgin Mary necklace her grandmother gifted her on her fifteenth birthday.
Briannah’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is walking around downtown, enjoying the local shops, and soaking in the views along the river. Her proudest moment in life was learning to believe in herself — balancing full-time college, high school, and two jobs while still growing into the strongest version of herself. If Briannah could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Hailey Fernandes. Briannah feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she loves this community deeply, was raised by its values of hard work and compassion, and hopes to inspire young girls by showing that strength can be both soft and powerful.
Brielle Precht
Brielle Precht is the daughter of Kevin and Julianne Precht. She attends Eastmont High School and Wenatchee Valley College, where she serves on the School Board, competes in club rugby, and tutors local children with special needs. In her spare time, Brielle enjoys organizing food and toy drives for people in need, building websites for local businesses and organizations, hiking, attending her church, Sage Hills, running long-distance, being a volunteer 6th-grade camp counselor, surf coaching, and running her nail businesses. After graduation, she plans to become an ER nurse and start an app for children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Brielle’s favorite TV show is The Office or Criminal Minds, and her favorite movie is Legally Blonde. Her favorite song is “Let You Go” by Clara La San, and her favorite book is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. She is most inspired by her family, Ilona Maher, and Elle Woods, whose confidence and kindness she hopes to reflect in her own life. Her most treasured keepsake is her baby blanket from her mom.
Brielle’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is to rock climb at RiverFront Rock Gym, enjoy a cookie butter latte from Zarah’s Coffee, explore the outdoors, and ski at Mission Ridge Ski Resort in the winter. Her proudest moment in life was finishing the 2025 Wenatchee Marathon and earning first place in her age bracket, because of the determination and dedication it required. If Brielle could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with IIona Maher, a professional rugby player for the Bristol Bears, who she admires for her confidence, passion, and how she is unapologetically herself. Brielle feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because of her love and passion for giving back and serving others in her community. She feels she would be a positive role model for younger girls in the valley, with or without medical conditions, and could show them that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Darcy Mejia Sanchez
Darcy is the daughter of Roy and Laura Mejia. Darcy attends Wenatchee High School and is also completing classes at Wenatchee Valley College as part of the Running Start Program. She plays violin in the Mariachi Huenachi program at Wenatchee High School, and this year has taken on the responsibility of being the group's president. Darcy enjoys being part of the mariachi community while growing her skills through both school and community performances. In her spare time, Darcy enjoys traveling, hanging out with her friends, and playing volleyball. After graduation, she plans to attend Eastern Washington University to earn her Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.
Darcy’s favorite movie is Tinkerbell. Her favorite song is “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, and her favorite book is Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon. She is most inspired by her mom and dad’s perseverance and the steady love and support they’ve shown throughout her life. Her most treasured keepsake is her 2 stuffed animals she got when she was a baby.
Darcy’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is to take a walk around downtown while discovering new places and admiring the beauty Wenatchee holds. Her proudest moment in life was at the age of 10 when surprised her dad by paying for his birthday meal with her own savings. If Darcy could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade with a Disney Imagineer to experience the magic of turning imagination into reality. Darcy feels like she could represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because she strives to be a positive leader while sharing her dedication, hard work, and commitment to make a difference.
Elizabeth Nikolas
Elizabeth Nikolas is the daughter of Jake and Whitney Smith and Jonathan and Amanda Nikolas. She attends Eastmont High School, where she is involved in the drama club, A.S.L. club, golf, and National Honor Society. In her spare time, Elizabeth is a professional pastry chef at a 4-star hotel and volunteers at Seeds Learning Center, a local preschool. She enjoys crocheting, boating, reading, and hanging out with her family and friends. After graduation, she plans to attend Western Oregon University and study ASL Interpreting.
Elizabeth's favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls, and her favorite movie is Cars 2. Her favorite song is " Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland, and her favorite book is Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. She is most inspired by her great gram, and her most treasured keepsake is her stuffed hippopotamus, Henrietta.
Her proudest moment in life is not a standstill event; it is a constant look back to where she was and how far she has come. If Elizabeth could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Jesse Allen, from the Boxcar Children, by G. C. Warner. Elizabeth feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because she grew up inspired by the Apple Blossom royalty. Now she strives to be a kind and confident person, a role model for her sisters, her nieces, and her fellow students. She learned from her great gram, how to be kind and compassionate, and to let her faith guide her in connecting with her community, and she wants to share that with the people around her.
Kamryn Reynolds
Kamryn is the daughter of Jen and Justin Reynolds. She attends Eastmont High school where she is a prior 2 year Varsity cheerleader, has taken many honors and college level courses, and WVC as a Running Start student, where she has maintained a 3.6 GPA. In her spare time, Kamryn enjoys walking her 2 black labs, Luna and Apollo, doing her own and other’s nails, and listening to and making music. After graduation, she plans to attend Central Washington University, and get her bachelor's degree in business and marketing. After college, she wants to return home to East Wenatchee and open an ice cream shop in honor of a close friend.
Kamryn’s favorite TV show is The Summer I Turned Pretty, and her favorite movie is The Notebook. Her favorite song is “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan, and her favorite book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. She is most inspired by her grandma Sharon, and her most treasured keepsake is a note her mom wrote her at the beginning of 6th grade.
Kamryn’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is ski at Mission Ridge, go to the library at WVC, and work as a waitstaff at Mission Burgers and Chicken. Her proudest moment in life was when she was nominated for All-American at her junior year summer cheer camp. If Kamryn could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Noah Kahan. Kamryn feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because she has a true cheerleader personality, is involved in her community, and as a passionate advocate for mental health, loves to help and support all the people around her, as well as her town and school.
Kaylee Pearsons
Kaylee Pearsons is the daughter of Kent and Debbie Pearsons. She attends Eastmont High School where she is the FCCLA president, the National Honors Society secretary, a Key Club member, and a tennis captain. She volunteers at memory care facilities with her dog to visit residents, is actively involved in serving kids at her church, and, in the summer, works for Wenatchee Parks & Rec. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, reading, and training her dog Ellie. After graduation Kaylee plans to pursue neuroscience at Gonzaga University in Spokane.
Kaylee’s favorite TV show is Little House on the Prairie, and her favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Her favorite song is “Don’t Bring Me Down” by Electric Light Orchestra, and her favorite book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. She is most inspired by her mom, and her most treasured keepsake is her collection of drawings and art from the kids she works with.
Kaylee’s favorite things to do in the Wenatchee Valley are visiting Pybus and taking classes at the Kennel Club. Her proudest moment in life was placing 5th at FCCLA Nationals in Orlando. If she could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with Bindi Irwin. She feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because of her love for her community, desire to be a good role model, and passion for serving others.
Melani Tovar
Melani is the daughter of Luis and Noemi Tovar. Melani is enrolled under the running start program through Wenatchee Valley College. She serves as Vice President of the Associated Student Body for Wenatchee High School, she enjoys advocating for the student body and finding new ways to cater to everyone. She is a varsity athlete for her Cheerleading team and leads her team as captain, participated in Unified Soccer, and is involved in various clubs including Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Family, Career, and Community Leader of America (FCCLA), and Student Advisory Council for the Wenatchee School District. Outside of school, Melani is employed at Mama Tina’s Pizza and dedicates her extra time to offer assistance to an elderly woman with her housework. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, working out, going to chipotle runs with her close friends, reading, and cooking with her mother. After graduation, Melani plans to attend University of Washington to get her Doctoral degree in health sciences, in hopes to become a doctor in Obstetrics and gynecology. Even so, she seems more thrilled in supporting future moms during their motherhood journey.
Melani’s favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls, and her favorite movie is Despicable Me 3. Her favorite song is “We Find Love” by Daniel Caesar and her favorite book is Wonder by R.J Palacio. She is most inspired by both her parents and grandmother. Her most treasured keepsake is a matching dinosaur stuffed animal she and her grandfather, who lives in California, both have.
Melani’s favorite thing to do in the Wenatchee Valley is trying new local restaurants and riding her motorcycles through her orchards. Her proudest moment in life is finding her voice and advocating for herself and others while using her personality as the change she wants to see happen. If Melani could trade places with anyone for a day, she would trade places with a fictional character Rocky Balboa, representing the power of perseverance and resilience. Melani would be honored to represent the Wenatchee Valley and the Apple Blossom Festival because of her passion to celebrate our valley’s cherished tradition and desire to inspire the whole community, especially among young girls to value what makes our valley special.
Parker Averi
Parker is the daughter of Jaime Hamilton and Ryan Hevly. Parker is the captain of the varsity track team, where she won the “most inspirational award.” She is also the vice president of Key Club, the culture coordinator for WHS, the president of Safe Space Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. Parker has been highly engaged in our community by volunteering for events like Special Olympics, the Kiwanis International Lunch-In, and being a proctor for the local Math Is Cool competitions. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, snowboarding, cliff jumping, camping, and playing games with family and friends. After graduation, she plans to attend Montana State University to study fish & ecology conservation with hopes to move back to Wenatchee and work for the P.U.D.
Parker's favorite TV show is New Girl and her favorite movie is A River Runs Through It. Her favorite song is “And All a Forest Can Give” by Sumbuck and her favorite band is America. Parker's favorite book is The Bible and she is most inspired by her Young Life leader, Wendy Little. Her most treasured keepsake is anything and everything that has been written to her.
Parker's favorite thing to do in Wenatchee is to snowboard at Mission Ridge, or catch “monster” fish in the Columbia River. Her proudest moment in life was being asked to publicly share her testimony at a Young Life fundraiser, and at a local church in front of an estimated two thousand people. Parker feels she should represent the Wenatchee Valley because she wants to help shed light on all the good in our valley and serve it with intent, passion, and attentiveness.
