Leslie Gill  

     While many girls look up to royalty such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Alaina Wancowicz (11) is the closest thing to royalty at Hereford High. Alaina is crowned Princess of the Crescent Yacht Club, located in Baltimore, the full service yacht club has access to docks for small boats and yacht owners. It offers 70 deep water slips, a large club house, kitchen, and a bar and lounge.

     While most students do not know about her title, Alaina said she is quite famous at the yacht club. Her grandparents belong to the club, and she has been going there since she was little. “I always wanted to be the yacht princess” said Alaina, who admires the past princesses of the club. “Every girl wants to dress up and wear a tiara, her especially” said Sophie Dedeo (12), teammate and friend of Alaina’s, from cheerleading.

     To become a princess for the Crescent Yacht Club, one must fill out an application and go on an interview with the committee of the club, much like applying for a job. While it is not necessary to know someone who is a member, Alaina’s popularity at the club made it easier for her to get the title.

     Once crowned Princess of the Crescent Yacht Club, there are various events a princess must attend. Alaina goes to different openings and balls for other yacht princesses year-round, including all of the events held at the Crescent Yacht Club. She also works on projects that help protect the Chesapeake Bay. “Around Christmas is when most of the events take place,” said Alaina, who also received Christmas presents including money (from various members of the club), which will be used for purchasing a new ball gown.

     In addition to all of her responsibilities, Alaina will need to continue competing in pageants. She holds her title of Princess of the Crescent Yacht Club year-long, but will need to compete in order to be crowned the prestigious Queen of the Chesapeake.

     Alaina will be attended her own ball on February 9. She was required to give a speech and wear a white dress, which is paid for by the club. “I’m the only person allowed to wear white,” said Alaina about the strict dress code for the event. Alaina said the ball dedicated to her was “just like prom” but with speeches and presentations.

     Though it helps knowing a member from the club, there are certain qualities a yacht princess should have. The most important ones are “public speaking skills and being friendly” said Alaina. Sophie said Alaina is “the most kindhearted person and always cares about other people before herself” and “really deserves” the title.