by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS
Olympians probably aren’t acquainted with many royals. But every year, Capital Lakefair gives the South Sound its own royal court, chosen in the spring from among junior girls at local high schools.
Here’s a look at the royal court for Capital Lakefair 2016:
Jaclyn “Jackie” Deshaye, 17
Lakefair Queen
Olympia High School
“To me, Lakefair is not only an amazing program filled with opportunities to meet new people in the area…but it is also an adventure I cannot wait to begin. I am proud and honored to be representing a school, city and people that I love so much. As the Queen, my goal is to be a role model not only for the parade and event attendees, but to my peers and princesses through my smile, poise and attitude, all skills I hope to acquire as the year comes by.”
Goal: “I want to be happy and make others happy. Also, I want to own a pet tortoise.”
Favorite quote: “Success in not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”–Albert Schweitzer
Favorite queen: Barbra Streisand, the real queen
Erin Hobbs, 17
Timberline High School
“There are so many opportunities I have been given…I now have the chance to inspire other little girls, and leave a lasting impact on the community that has raised me. As a hopeful pediatric nurse, the amount of service projects we have that involve working with children fills my heart with such excitement.”
Goal: “I want to become a pediatric nurse. I would like to touch and inspire as many lives as I can, to be kind, generous and happy.”
Favorite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”–Martin Luther King Jr.
Favorite princess: Ariel
Rachel Pierson, 17
North Thurston High School
“I hope to become a positive role model, along with help from my other fabulous court members, for little girls and boys to look up to…Becoming a Lakefair Princess has made me realize that anything is possible, and I want that message to come across to every single child I get the privilege of meeting. I want to inspire them to chase after their dreams, no matter how large and grand they might be.”
Goal: “One goal is to become a lawyer and open my own practice. Another is to truly make a difference in the world and leave my mark.”
Favorite quote: “Life is too short to be anything but happy.”–José Harris
Favorite princess: Rapunzel
Hailey Sanne, 17
Tumwater High School
“I am so excited for this upcoming year and can’t wait to see what God has in store for me in this new journey ahead…Throughout the next year I hope to be an encouragement and positive role model to other little girls and everyone else I come into contact with throughout my Lakefair experience.”
Goal: “I want to go to cosmetology school and revive my hair license after high school.”
Favorite quote: “Have courage and be kind.” This is something my mother has always said to me, and it’s a quote from the new movie Cinderella.
Favorite princess: Belle
Tyjai Shaw, 18
South Sound High School
“I am proud to represent not only my school, but also this county, and I will not disappoint. I know that this will not only be a year to remember, but also one of many lessons. I cannot wait for the adventures in the near future with my fellow princesses.”
Goal: I want to live a happy, free, successful life doing something I love and to be able to take care of my family.
Favorite quote: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”–Gandhi
Favorite princess: “My favorite Disney character is Nani Pelekai from Lilo & Stitch.”
(and here’s the print edition of this article: 
)