WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival gets underway in Washington, D.C., the North Carolina Society has announced Riley Pingree of South Mills will represent the Tar Heel State during the 76th annual National Conference of State Societies Cherry Blossom Program in Washington, D.C. The North Carolina Society is the oldest state society in Washington, DC, and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Delegate annually since 1950.

“Riley is a scholar, a leader in her community, and has a heart for service. The North Carolina Society is honored to have her represent our state,” said Greg Steele, President of the North Carolina Society.

Pingree is the daughter of April and Greg Pingree of South Mills. She currently lives and works in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Camden Early College High School in 2020 as the President of the CECHS Student Government, Interact Club, and National Honor Society. She also volunteered at the South Mills Fire Department, led the Coast Guard Junior Leadership Program as Battalion Commander, and was a CCHS Swim, Cross Country, and Track & Field Teams member.

At 19 years old, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Communications and Social Economics degree. She was a first-generation college student and member of the First-Generation Student Society, Phi Mu Sorority, Wesley Campus Ministry, and Student Rams Club. Shortly after graduating, Pingree was awarded the title of Miss Greenville and competed at Miss North Carolina. Her platform, "Fresh for Families,” raises awareness and funds for those impacted by food deserts in rural North Carolina. Upon moving to D.C., she interned for Senator Thom Tillis, worked for Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07), and is now a press assistant for Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09). She enjoys hot yoga, horseback riding, Pilates, and long-distance biking in her free time.

The annual weeklong Cherry Blossom Delegate Program occurs during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The National Conference of State Societies, the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the National Capital Area, organizes the cultural, educational, and professional development program for women ages 19 to 24. State Societies select Cherry Blossom Delegates for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in community and world affairs. The North Carolina Cherry Blossom Delegate will join other young women representing their states and territories. By a spin of the wheel at the Grand Ball, one queen will be crowned among the princesses to travel to Japan, where she will represent the United States.

The events began Sunday, April 7th, with the opening celebration at the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include a congressional reception on Wednesday, April 10th, where Congressman David Rouzer will escort Pingree. The Cherry Blossom Queen will be chosen at the Grand Ball on Friday, April 12th (with tickets available for purchase). The week will be capped off by the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri Street Festival on Saturday, April 13th.

WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival, the North Carolina Society of Washington is thrilled to announce that Colleen Watson will represent our state during the 75th annual Cherry Blossom Princess Program. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society in our nation’s capital and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess every year since 1950.

“We are delighted that Colleen Watson will serve as North Carolina’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “Colleen exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess: she is an accomplished scholar and community leader with strong Tar Heel State ties. We cannot wait to welcome her to Washington, DC to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Colleen is the daughter of Kevin and Tonya Watson of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and the granddaughter of Mary Ann Clinton Bombardier, who served as Minnesota’s Cherry Blossom Princess in 1991. As a little girl, Colleen would try on her grandmother’s cherry-blossom-pink dresses and white ball gown and dream of following in her footsteps. She is also the great-granddaughter of the late Donald R. Watson, a businessman and community leader in Wilmington, North Carolina who generously gave his time and financial resources to The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In 1994, the university’s Watson School of Education was named in his memory, honoring his efforts to advance the teaching profession and public education.

Colleen is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education at the University of Mary Washington. She is an active leader on campus, helping organize community cleanups and collecting food and school supplies to donate to local public school students. Colleen possesses strong time management skills and self-discipline: in addition to sewing, crocheting, knitting, and painting goods to sell on Esty, she works full-time at the Fawn Lake Country Club.

The annual weeklong Cherry Blossom Princess Program coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The National Conference of State Societies (a non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the national capital area) organizes this cultural, educational, and professional development program for young women. Independent state societies select their Cherry Blossom Princesses for the women’s academic achievements, interest in community and world affairs, and leadership.

The North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess will join others representing U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands. At the United States & Territories Celebration Gala, a much-anticipated spin of a wheel will determine who among the princesses will be crowned queen. She will have the privilege of representing the United States while traveling to Japan.

The events begin on Sunday, April 9 with an opening celebration among the cherry blossom trees lining the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include the sushi reception and gala on Friday, April 14 as well as the parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Saturday, April 15.

WASHINGTON, DC – In anticipation of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival, the North Carolina Society of Washington is pleased to announce Shelby Mozingo of Clemmons, NC will represent the Tar Heel State during the 74th annual Cherry Blossom Princess Program in our nation’s capital. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess annually since 1950.

“We’re thrilled that Shelby Mozingo will serve as North Carolina’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “As an accomplished scholar, leader in her community, and proud North Carolinian, Shelby exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess. We look forward to welcoming her to Washington, DC to take part in this wonderful experience."

Shelby is the daughter of Hank and Leslie Mozingo of Clemmons and the granddaughter of Roger and Wanda Mozingo of Winston-Salem, who were active members of the State Society for more than two decades before returning to North Carolina. Shelby attends the Clemson University Honors College where she studies Biochemistry and Psychology with minors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Spanish. She is a Psychology Department Davenport Scholar and a member of both Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-Health Honor Society. Shelby is on track to graduate summa cum laude December 2022, and plans to attend medical school. Her dream is to serve with Doctors Without Borders or another organization performing surgery in underdeveloped countries.

At Clemson, Shelby is an engaged student leader. She participates in Student Government as the Assistant Director on the Executive Committee for Organizations and Outreach, a Senator on the Legislative Committee for Innovation and Technology, Vice President of Member Development for the Clemson chapter of Undergraduate Pediatric Society, and Vice President of Recruitment and Training for Welcome Week Clemson. Shelby is a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and participates in undergraduate research where she served as the senior author on work published in the Journal of American College Health. Additionally, Shelby works as a university tour guide, a student transition assistant for the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement, and at Lululemon Athletica, Inc.

During her college career, she has competed on the Clemson Crew team, served as an orientation leader, volunteered in the Clemson community, worked at a senior living facility in Winston-Salem, NC, and as a YMCA summer camp counselor in Boomer, Wilkes County, NC. She also coached for a volleyball club where she mentored young girls in the sport and in character development.

The annual weeklong Cherry Blossom Princess Program takes place during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The National Conference of State Societies, the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the National Capital Area, organizes the cultural, educational, and professional development program for women ages 19 to 24. Cherry Blossom Princesses are selected by State Societies for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in community and world affairs.

The North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess will join other young women representing their states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands. By a spin of a wheel at the Grand Ball, one queen will be crowned among the princesses to travel to Japan, where she will represent the United States.

The events begin Sunday, April 3, with the opening celebration at the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Fashion Show on Tuesday, April 5; the congressional reception on Wednesday, April 6; the sushi reception and Grand Ball on Friday, April 8; and the parade and Sakura Matsuri Street Festival on April 9.

Ahead of the 2021 Cherry Blossom Festival beginning on Sunday, June 6, the North Carolina Society of Washington, D.C., is proud to announce our 2021 Cherry Blossom Princess, Mollie Thomas, an accomplished young woman with strong family connections to North Carolina. Mollie will represent the state of North Carolina during the 2021 Cherry Blossom Princess Program hosted in Washington, D.C.

Mollie is the daughter of Gordon and Melodie Thomas of Arlington, VA. Her half-sister Elizabeth served as the 1989 North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess. Her father, a native of Pilot Mountain, is a former President of the North Carolina Society. Mollie was raised to believe in the North Carolina values of humility, independence, family and friends, and kindness to one’s neighbors.

“We’re proud to announce Mollie Thomas has been chosen to serve as our state’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “As a leader of her peers, an accomplished young professional, and a selfless community servant, Mollie exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess. We are thrilled to welcome her to Washington, D.C., to participate in this unforgettable experience."

Mollie graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California in May 2020, with degrees in Television Writing & Production and Communication Studies. Mollie was also presented with the STAR Award from the School of Communication, for exemplifying the principles of service, teaching, achievement, and respect — one of only six recipients in her graduating class.

At Chapman, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma women’s fraternity. Mollie was also an active equestrian, competing with the Chapman University Equestrian Team, where she served as the Social Media Chair and as the Events Chair. In the 2016-2017 season, she was voted MVP and was the High Point Rider. Mollie earned numerous top ribbons and awards in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association post-season events, including second place at Zone 8 – Region 2 Finals, fifth place at Zone 8 Finals, and Reserve Champion at the California Collegiate Finals.

Mollie graduated from The Madeira School in McLean, VA, in 2016. 

In a professional capacity, Mollie is a Gallery Associate at the Bo Bridges Gallery in Manhattan Beach, California, where she assists in curation, sales, and installation of custom fine art pieces and manages all creative digital marketing. In addition, Mollie frequently works on film & television productions as a Production Designer. She has previously interned with Stage 13, Warner Bros. Entertainment’s original content brand. Mollie has also worked as a Creative Brand Marketing Intern for Ticketmaster, and with The Atlantic at the Aspen Ideas Festival. 

The Cherry Blossom Princess Program is a weeklong program that takes place every year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The National Conference of State Societies, the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the National Capital Area, organizes the cultural, educational, and professional development program for women ages 19 to 24. Cherry Blossom Princesses are selected for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in community and world affairs.

The North Carolina princess will join other young women representing their states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the American Virgin Islands. One queen will be chosen from among the princesses by a spin of a wheel at the ball and will travel to Japan to represent the United States. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess annually since 1950.

The week-long events begin Sunday, June 6, 2021, with the opening celebration at the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Fashion Show on June 8, and the Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball on Thursday, June 10. 

The North Carolina Society of Washington, D.C. is proud to announce our 2019 Cherry Blossom Princess is Emily Sullivan, a student at American University from Morehead City. 

“We are proud to announce that Emily Sullivan has been chosen to serve as our state’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Navneet Buttar. “As a leader in her community, accomplished young professional, and proud North Carolinian, Emily is the ideal candidate to represent North Carolina. We are thrilled to invite Emily to participate in this unforgettable experience.”

Emily is a student at American University where she studies international policy with a focus on sustainable development. She is dedicated to serving her community and does so as the Class of 2021 Treasurer in the American University Student Government, an ambassador for the American University College of Admissions, and the director of professional development in the Rotaract Club of American University.

While a student at West Carteret High School, Emily was an Associate Justice in North Carolina Youth and Government, a participant in the North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly, a page for the governor of North Carolina, and the captain of the West Carteret High School Varsity Volleyball Team. She also provided over 350 hours of service in the National Charity League.

 The Cherry Blossom Princess Program is a weeklong program that takes place every year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington. The National Conference of State Societies, the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the National Capital Area, organizes the cultural, educational and professional development program for women ages 19 to 24. Cherry Blossom Princesses are selected for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in community and world affairs.

 The North Carolina princess will join other young women representing their states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands. One queen will be chosen from among the princesses by a spin of a wheel at the ball and will travel to Japan to represent the United States. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess annually since 1950.

 The week-long events begin Sunday, April 7, 2019 with the opening celebration at the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include: the Kimono Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 10, 2019; the Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball on Friday, April 12, 2019; and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Watch the wheel to choose the 2019 Cherry Blossom Queen with our 2019 North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess Emily Sullivan at the Cherry Blossom Grand Ball!

 Friday, April 12th at 6PM

JW Marriott - 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW

 $200 per ticket for black tie optional cocktail & sushi reception, followed by a seated dinner

Ticket prices increase to $225 on April 1st

https://www.statesocieties.org/ball

Join our 2019 North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess Emily Sullivan and other 2019 princesses for a Kimono Fashion show and luncheon on Wednesday, April 10th.

 Wednesday, April 10th at 11AM

JW Marriott - 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW

 $100 per ticket

https://www.statesocieties.org/kimono

Meet our 2018 North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess Maya Loflin at the NCSS States & Territories Night at the Ball Park! The 2018 Cherry Blossom Princesses, 2017 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, Samantha Olsen, and the 2018 Japan Sakura Queen will watch the Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves on Monday, April 9th. Tickets are $35, and include an $8 value towards purchases of food and souvenirs in the ballpark.

Monday, April 9 @ 7PM 

Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves

$35 per ticket - includes $8 towards purchases in the ballpark

2017 Cherry Blossom Princess Schuyler Weisel

2018 Cherry Blossom Princess

The North Carolina Society of Washington, D.C. is proud to announce our 2018 Cherry Blossom Princess is Maya Loflin, a student at East Carolina University from Pittsboro, North Carolina.

“We’re proud to announce Maya Loflin has been chosen to serve as our state’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Navneet Buttar. “As a leader of her peers, an accomplished young professional and a selfless community servant, Maya exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess. We are thrilled to welcome her to Washington, D.C. to participate in this unforgettable experience."

Maya is a founding sister of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at East Carolina University and helps fight hunger through volunteer efforts at food banks and homeless shelters, in addition to fundraising events. Maya is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and has a passion for achieving equality for special needs students, both in school and in society.

While a student at Northwood High School, Maya was an active cheerleader, dancer, singer and artist. Maya served as the president of the Cosmetology Club, and was a member of Key Club and Future Farmers of America. Her senior year, she served as a Youth Counselor at the YMCA at Pittsboro.

The Cherry Blossom Princess Program is a weeklong program that takes place every year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington. The National Conference of State Societies, the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for State and Territorial Societies in the National Capital Area, organizes the cultural, educational and professional development program for women ages 19 to 24. Cherry Blossom Princesses are selected for their leadership, academic achievements, and interest in community and world affairs.

The North Carolina princess will join other young women representing their states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands. One queen will be chosen from among the princesses by a spin of a wheel at the ball and will travel to Japan to represent the United States. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess annually since 1950.

The week-long events begin April 9, 2018 with the opening celebration at the Tidal Basin. Highlights of the week include: the Congressional Reception on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 when the North Carolina Princess Maya Loflin will be escorted by Congressman David Price (NC-04); the Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball on Friday, April 13, 2018; and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival on Saturday, April 14, 2018.