After 82 years, the Pierce County Daffodil Festival crowned it’s first Daffodil Festival queen from Bonney Lake High School.

Senior Ashley Becker was crowned the 79th Daffodil Festival queen last Saturday at the Pantages theater in Tacoma.

She was among 24 Daffodil princesses that were selected to represent their schools and communities in the festival.

Executive director of the Daffodil Festival Steve James said after exit interviews with the judges, he felt all of the Daffodil Princesses this year were exceptional.

“When you’re judging 24 highly qualified young ladies, it’s not easy,” said James. “You’re splitting hairs.”

James said the queen and the royal court will have an extremely busy two weeks ahead of them, as Becker and the other princesses plan to make about 250 appearances this year, including the parade float unveiling at 4 p.m. on April 4 at the Old Cannery in Sumner.

Becker said she is still a little in shock over being crowed the queen this year.

“I’m so honored to represent my community, my school and my family,” she said.

Becker said she was involved in the Associated Student Body since seventh grade, and recently ran for student body president.

Although she wasn’t elected, Becker searched for another way to become involved in her community, which was when she decided to be a part of the Daffodil Festival.

After high school, Becker plans to attend college to study nursing, and possibly become an anesthesiologist.

Reach Ray Still at rstill@courierherald.com or 360-825-2555 ext. 5058. Follow him on Twitter @rayscottstill for more news, pictures and local events.