Welcome back to The Buzz: Blog and our Alumnae Spotlights! Today we are highlighting Princess Diane Price. Diane’s reign from Washington High School was 1985. Their theme “Spring Alive in 85′” a wonderful time to focus on the way life ‘springs’ up from the earth every year just as the community should. Diane had an incredible year learning about herself and the reward a servants heart has on a community. Now as a mom of two she watches them grow into a community she helped flourish alongside working as the Director of Retail Branch Operations at Umpqua bank.
Q: What was your journey with the Daffodil Festival? Can you share your favorite story from your reign with us?
A: “I was blessed to be chosen as Washington High Schools Princess in 1985. We had a great group of candidates so I was very surprised and excited that I was chosen. There were so many fun experiences during my time as a princess it’s hard to find just one. All of the events like visiting nursing homes, the Saturday practices, the Magnificent Mutt show, the Marine parade, the Jr Daffodil Parade, going to a Tacoma Stars and a Sonic game, and of course the Grand Floral Street Parade. It of course rained on parade day, and it was cold. We wore long underwear under our dresses. It did finally stop raining by the time we got to Orting and some of us got to ride in Corvettes with t-tops off, so that was fun. Probably one of the most memorable experiences was doing a fashion show for Tacoma Retail Store. The Franklin Pierce Princess Jenise and I got to walk down the runway modeling a 2 headed rain poncho. We had a lot of fun with that and laughed the entire time.”
Here the description they read out for the fashion show: “Are these Siamese Twins? No, but Diane Price of Washington High and Jenise Filley of Franklin Pierce both love this Poncho for two, although each admits she has someone else in mind with whom to share it. Created in denim blue weaver cloth, treated to resist the rain, it is designed to keep you snug, cozy and very together with someone special when Northwest skies turn cloudy and moist. There’s no need now to miss the Huskies’ game, the soccer match, or even the Hydroplane race just because of a little rain. Fasten the “D” rings at the neck, pull up the hands and bundle together against the weather. At only $10.00 that’s a lot of fun for a small price.”
Q: What does the Daffodil Festival mean to you?
A: “The Daffodil Festival is really a magical thing. The history of it is so captivating to me and the legacy that each year’s theme and royalty brings to it is also just so fascinating. I love hearing the stories of past Queens and their experiences. There is so much history, tradition, and evolution within the festival, and I am so glad that it has continued for so many years. So many people have been touched by this organization in one way or another over the years, it’s inspiring. I appreciate those that keep it going and moving forward.”
Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve done since being a Daffodil Princess?
A: “Probably becoming a Mom. My kids are my greatest blessings. I have a daughter Alyssa (27) and a son Connor (21). Watching them grow up and now seeing their adult lives unfold is so exciting.”
Q: What lessons have you learned through the Festival that has helped you?
A: “It was an eye-opening experience for me to be able to become a greater part of my community, and to try and understand what making an impact in your community really means. Serving others with heart is so rewarding and something that I have always strived to do. As a high school senior, I learned a lot about my community during the year I was a princess and also a lot about myself.”
Q: Can you share an experience of support you received with the Daffodil Festival?
A: “The chaperones and Queen Mother (now called Director of Royalty) always gave so much support and guidance during this experience, We couldn’t have gotten to all of the events without them. I immediately felt like I belonged and that we were a family. Everyone that was involved in the festival was so welcoming and enjoyable to be around. It’s a sense of belonging that never goes away. Once a princess, always a princess. I made many lifelong friends and have met so many past Princesses in my work journey. That connection or commonality gives you an instant bond.”
Q: What is your vocation and what job(s) do you do outside of the Festival?
A: “I am the Director of Retail Branch Operations for Umpqua Bank. I have been in the banking industry for almost 35 years.”
Q: If you could give advice to someone wanting to become a princess what would you say?
A: “I would tell them to go after it and take a chance. You have to put yourself out there and take risks in order to gain some exceptional experiences. Being a part of the Daffodil Festival, as a Princess, is one experience that I would highly recommend if someone has the opportunity. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that can change your life in so many ways that you won’t even truly realize until years later. I made many lifelong friends.”
