Tekoa Royalty Program 2024

TEKOA - Tekoa High School is hosting its Royalty Program at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 16, at the Tekoa Empire Theatre, 126 South Crosby Street.

Contestants this year include Tekoa High School juniors Clare Wilkins, Lulu Taylor and Denalie Chase.

Member of the Tekoa Royalty Committee Karen Blomgren said that the program has been held for at least 28 years or more, and that the royalty get a scholarship at the end of their reign.

Blomgren said the program will start with an opening number followed by contestants participating in categories including an interview, talent, poise and composure, and impromptu questions.

Blomgren said that the Tekoa Float Committee builds a float, and every year, royalty starts at the Lilac Festival parade, and also take the float to other local parades. "We let them pick where'd they like to go," Blomgern said, noting that Tekoa Royalty has been in Rosalia, Fairfield, Plummer and even the Valley Fest in Spokane Valley.

Reigning royalty, Carrie Sanchez and Marissa Alonso, will bid their final farewell.

"They have a slideshow of their year that they present," Blomgren said.

The Mistress of Ceremonies for this year's Tekoa Royalty Program will be Carrie Zehm.

Attendees can purchase tickets from the contestants at the door.

Blomgern mentioned that the women on the committee, including Maryanne Gordon, Melinda Wilkins, Linda Zehm, Hillary Lawson, and Kayla Burtchett have been doing the program for 28 years. "They put a lot of work into it," she said.