It’s that time of year again for the local dairy industry to crown the next District 6 Dairy Princess and committee chairperson Linda Teixeira assures that the crowned winner will be given more than just the royal treatment.
“This is a great opportunity for the princess because it opens a lot of doors and gives them a lot of exposure,” said Teixeira, who works closely with the girls and considers herself their chaperone. “I know a lot of girls who have gotten jobs through this and I’ve definitely seen a lot of great girls go through our program.”
During her reign, the District 6 Dairy Princess will represent the dairy industry in Alameda, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties by making a number of appearances at schools, fairs, industry meetings, service clubs and parades.
“She will be educating people about the dairy industry and promoting dairy products,” said Teixeira. “The Dairy Princess will essentially be a spokesperson for the dairy industry. She will be our voice.”
The newly crowned princess will also participate in a week of training in San Francisco, an event that Teixeira refers to as “Princess Camp.” During this time, she will take part in industry tours, as well as receive presentation and etiquette training.
“They learn about what to say and what not to say at a dinner or other events,” said Teixeira. “They also receive training on what they need to communicate to children when they visit schools.
“It really is an excellent week of training and they are basically treated just like princesses,” continued Teixeira.
To qualify, contestants must at least be a junior in high school up to 21 years of age by contest date and be unmarried. Additionally, her family must own a dairy farm, or she must work in the dairy industry or have a dairy-related background.
“Aside from the technical requirements, we are looking for a girl who has knowledge of the dairy industry and who is a great spokesperson and people person,” said Teixeira.
Of the applicants, only those who are qualified will advance to an interview, luncheon and ultimately the gala event on June 18, where current Dairy Princess Deena Migliazzo of Atwater will relinquish her crown to the winner.
Each participant will also receive a scholarship during the evening gala. According to Teixeira, last year they were able to award approximately $4,500 in scholarships to participants and they hope to do the same this year.
Application forms may be obtained from Teixeira by calling 634-4500, through the CMAB office at 525-6875, or online at californiadairypressroom.com. The application deadline is May 8.
