From missed opportunity to Miss LCF

Janine Marnien

Kelly Herbert has had to watch from the sidelines as other girls

her age became part of the Tournament of Roses Royal Court. She had

always wanted to try out for the court, but was never eligible as a

resident of Glendale.

But on Memorial Day weekend, she will get her chance at a

miniature version of the Tournament of Roses. As Miss La Canada

Flintridge, she will wave to crowds at the Fiesta Days Parade. Kelly

was crowned Tuesday night at the La Canada Flintridge Chamber of

Commerce and Community Assn. installation dinner.

“I never thought this could be me,” she said Wednesday. “I’ve

never done anything like this.”

A junior at Flintridge Sacred Heart, Kelly is active on the

volleyball team, and is president of Christian Action Movements, an

outreach club at the school that aids inner-city schools in Los

Angeles.

Princesses Amanda Cochran, Susannah Crowley, Kristi Sheff and

Monica Young join Kelly on the court. Together, the girls will attend

various community events and chamber mixers along with Fiesta Days

activities.

Although many of the girls did not know each other before becoming

members of the 2003 court, they said they mesh well. All are looking

forward to building friendships and meeting people in the community,

they said.

“One responsibility you do have weighing on your shoulders is that

you do represent the community,” Kristi said. “If you ever do

something that people don’t think is appropriate, they’ll look at you

as a princess, and not just another teenager.”

Amanda, Kristi and Monica are juniors at La Canada High School.

Susannah is a junior at Westridge School in Pasadena. The princesses

are all involved in drama or choral programs, and have contributed

extensive hours of community service.

The court is sponsored by the chamber and La Canada Junior Woman’s

Club. Court selections are made based on poise, academic and other

achievements, personality and other characteristics.

Kelly receives a $500 scholarship, and the princesses each receive

a $250 scholarship.