Emma Waibel crowned Rose Festival princess

Emma Waibel crowned Rose Festival princess

The moment Emma Waibel, junior, found out she had become the first Rose Festival princess from West Linn she burst into tears. “It was surreal, because you imagine how it’s going to go and then everything exceeds your expectations,” Waibel said.

Traditionally, the Rose Festival consisted of girls from Portland high schools, but a few years ago they broaden the entries to metro area schools. Waibel was selected from the 70 girls from the metro east (West Linn) and metro west. She was one of the four finalists from the metro area.

Waibel looks forward to being a princess, as well as representing not only WLHS but the whole community.

“I really wanted to be one when I was younger. They are all so confident and beautiful. I looked up to them,” Waibel said.

Two years ago was when it really clicked with Waibel and she knew she wanted to apply. “I wanted the experience of the Rose Festival and making friends with the other girls.”