Three vying for Queen Annapolis Royal crown
Diana Lewis lauds princess leadership program as she ends her year as queen
“Is it that time already? Did a whole year pass me by?”
Diana Lewis, Queen Annapolis Royal
2015, penned those words in her farewell letter. Annapolis Royal
Natal Days is coming up fast and Lewis will relinquish her crown to one of the three princesses vying for the leadership position. Rachel Johns, Maria Longmire, and Salina Mailman have entered this year’s princess leadership competition.
“Everyone says that time flies when you’re having fun, and that is exactly what happened this past year,” Lewis said. “As the excitement for the Natal Day weekend starts to build, I can feel myself scrambling to figure out how such an incredible year passed me by within what felt like a few months.”
Lewis described being Queen Annapolis Royal as the ultimate privilege of representing her hometown - and she hopes she did the town proud.
When Annapolis and Dis- trict Natal Days kicks off July 28, three young women will be at the official opening ceremonies at The Academy and will attend various functions, including the July 31 coronation at Fort Anne. Their first event is the July 27 Princess Dessert Party and Fashion Show at the fire hall, set for 6:30 p.m.
This is the 70th edition of Natal Days and organizers are pretty excited.
“Our theme this year is Homecoming, and we’d like everyone who has ever lived in, worked in, or played in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia to come home for Natal Days Celebrations,” they said. “Celebrate Nova Scotia’s birthday in the birth place of Nova Scotia.”
Rachel Johns
Rachel Johns is the 20- yearold daughter of Kevin Johns, of Port Wade, and Theresa Porter, of
Lequille. She graduated from AWEC in 2014 and in September will be entering her third year at St. Francis Xavier University where she is studying sociology. In the future, she plans to pursue an education degree with hopes of teaching at the high school level. Johns volunteers at the Canadian Association for Community Living in Antigonish and is an assistant coach for youth summer soccer in Annapolis Royal. She loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys yoga, reading, and baking. Johns is sponsored by Chavelah’s Cafe. Her child attendant is Ali Longmire, the eight- year- old daughter of David and Julie Longmire of Delaps Cove.
Maria Longmire
Maria Longmire is the 19-year-old daughter of Kevin and Tina Longmire of Lequille. She is currently studying towards a fine arts degree at the Nova Scotia College of
Art & Design
( NSCAD). She hopes to further her studies with an education degree and become an art teacher. Being part of the art community is important to Longmire, who is a member of ARTsPLACE and is involved in Paint the Town. She was a member of the dance group Teen Angels that performed at King’s Theatre, where she also volunteered. Other volunteer work includes the IWK Telethon and the Coldest Night of The Year walk. Longmire is sponsored and employed by King’s Theatre. Her child attendant is Molly Smith, the sevenyear-old daughter of Matthew and Melissa Smith of Granville Centre.
Selina Mailman
Selina Mailman is the 18-year-old daughter of Darlene and Stephen Mailman of Bear River. She graduated from AWEC in June 2016. She plans to attend university to pursue a Bachelor of Science, with a major in psychology. Mailman volunteers with the Me to We and Free the Chil- dren Foundation. She has also been a volunteer DJ for the Annapolis pool and school dances. Mailman enjoys playing violin and various other instruments, as well as playing sports. She placed second at provincials in girls’ doubles for badminton. Her goal is to someday run her own business. Mailman is sponsored by Sunken Dorey Pizza. Her child attendant is Lydia Gaudet, the seven-yearold daughter of Jane and Chris Tooker, and Jason Gaudet of Clementsvale.