National Cherry Blossom Festival
2015 Ohio Cherry Blossom Princess
The weather is getting nicer and temperatures are rising, which in D.C. means one very exciting thing: the National Cherry Blossom Festival is just around the corner! For the Ohio Society of Washington, D.C. that means that we have the opportunity to participate in the National Conference of State Societies’ Cherry Blossom Princess Program.
Since 1948, state and territorial societies, as well as the international embassy community, have selected accomplished young women for their academic achievement, exceptional poise and appearance, leadership, interest in social, civic, community and world affairs with a strong desire to serve others through community service, maturity and responsibility to represent their respective states as “Cherry Blossom Princess.” Over the course of a week, these young ladies have an opportunity to participate in National Cherry Blossom Festival activities, community service, and cultural exchange events. The week culminates in the selection of a Cherry Blossom Queen, who is invited by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association (JCBA) to visit Japan.
This year, we are proud to sponsor Ohio Cherry Blossom Princess, Kieran Conway.
Kieran is a 2012 graduate of Saint Ursula Academy in Cincinnati and attends Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She is a junior, majoring in dance and international studies, concentration in African studies. Kieran is heavily involved in her sorority, Kappa Delta, and has planned sisterhood events as well as KD’s annual parent’s events. This year she will be inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa chapter on her campus.
Over Christmas break of 2012, Kieran spent her time in Lesotho, Africa with a service learning trip through her university. She returned in June 2014 as student chaperone and spent Fall 2014 semester studying abroad in Rwanda on the topic of Post-Genocide Restoration and Peace Building. She greatly enjoyed her time there and looks forward the next opportunity for her to return, hopefully bringing her parents, Joe and Peg Conway, along with her.
Kieran has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She continues to live her passion by participating in concerts each semester. She had her first opportunity to choreograph for a performance in 2013 where she created two pieces for Wittenberg’s Fall Dance concert.
We would like to invite you to come support her at the following Cherry Blossom Festival events. If you are interested in attending any of the events, and would like more information or would like to attend with other Ohioans please contact the Ohio Society.
Sunday, April 5 – Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony – Free
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Tidal Basin @ Independence Ave. & 17th St. SW, Washington, DC.
Wednesday, April 8 – Cherry Blossom Congressional Reception- Free
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building, Room 345, Washington, DC
Thursday, April 9 – Cherry Blossom Celebration of States & Territories Reception – $25
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Ft. Myer Officers’ Club, Koran Room, Ft. Myer VA
Friday, April 10 – Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Sushi Reception – $150
6:00pm – 12:00 midnight
JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Saturday, April 11 – National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® – Free
10:00am – 12:00pm
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Saturday, April 11 – Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival® – Free
11:00am – 6:00pm
12th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC