As my year as Princess for the 67th German-American Steuben Parade comes to an end,
and we eagerly await to see who will be selected for the next court, I wanted to take a moment to
reflect on my amazing experience this past year.

As a longtime supporter and attendee of the Steuben Parade, I was very excited to submit
my application and be selected for the Miss German-America Court at the crowning in May! It
was always a joy of mine to attend the Parade when I was a little girl and see the various floats,
listen to the various bands, and watch the groups from the tri-state area and overseas march. As I
got older, I realized it was much more than just floats and bands at a Parade, it was the pride of
one’s German heritage that brought everyone together at this event. Seeing this at each and every
parade that I have attended throughout my life has made me have a greater appreciation for my
German-American and Gottscheer heritage.

This past year has been nothing but amazing. The people I met throughout this
experience are connections and friendships that will last a lifetime, especially with Queen Bella,
Princess Allison and the best juniors Michaela, Annabelle and Max. I was honored to meet our
Grand Marshall, Armand Laschet, German Consul General of New York Col. Hon.Till Knorn,
and Colonel Joerg Dronia, German Armed Forces Command US and Canada. With every event
that I attended throughout the summer and during parade weekend, I found little moments that
made the events so much fun. From dancing to Anton aus Tirol in the rain with Bella at the
Kolping on the Hudson Oktoberfest, making fun TikTok videos with Allison at numerous events,
and watching how excited Michaela, Annebelle and Max were to exchange pins from the various
groups during the Parade, every moment became a lasting memory for me.

Parade weekend was one of the best weekends I have ever experienced. From the early
morning wakeup to head to Foley Square for the Greeting of the Groups from Overseas, dancing
the night away at the gala with Die Heimatklänge, mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, watching the
various groups perform and march with their groups at the Parade, the Oktoberfest in Central
Park and ending the weekend at Plattduetsche Park for Oomphafest; it was such an exciting and
fun-filled weekend.

I want to thank my family and friends for their support throughout the year and for
joining me at many of the events that I attended, as well as instilling in me a lifelong
appreciation for my German and Gottscheer heritage throughout my life. It has been a great
honor of mine to be a spokeswoman for an event that has brought me so many fun memories
ever since I was little, and passing on that joy to the younger generation through this experience.
To the next court, I wish you nothing but the best in this experience. You will meet people that
will become lifelong friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to capture
those lifelong memories with one click of the camera!

Looking forward to marching up 5th Avenue for the 68th German-American Steuben Parade! I’ll
be waving on as Division Marshall for the Gottscheer Division!