Raspberry Festival Crowns 2013-14 Queen and Princesses

The Hopkins Center for the Arts was sparkling Thursday night for the coronation of three new members of the Raspberry Festival Royal Family.

After emotional goodbyes from the current queen and princesses, the following candidates were crowned.

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Queen Elijah Carter

• Parent: Christine Lippert
• School: Entering her freshman year at St. Cloud State University with a major in biomedical science and gerontology.
• Goal: She wants to attend medical school and become a physician.
• Interests: Photography, cheerleading and playing guitar
• Why she wants to be a candidate: “Elijah wants to be a candidate because she loves the confidence and experience the program gives to young ladies and is excited to make new friends and promote volunteerism along the way.”

Princess Taylor Wind

• Parents: Tim and Jody Wind
• School: Studying at the University of St. Thomas with a major in biology.
• Goal: She wants to attend medical school to pursue a career in sports medicine.
• Interests: Choir, dance, church, track and field and more
• Why she wants to be a candidate: “Taylor wants to be a candidate because she wants to be more affiliated with the community that she grew up in, as well as to better herself as a person and a leader.”

Princess Mariah Peterson

• Parents: Dan and Renae Peterson
• School: Normandale Community College
• Goal: She plans on majoring in graphic design and wants to have a successful career in that field.
• Interests: Volunteering with Hennepin County Libraries and the Depot Coffee House
• Why she wants to be a candidate: “Mariah wants to be a candidate because she wants to challenge herself to try something new and different and thinks it will be a fun experience and a chance for her to meet more girls in the area.”