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May 3, 20172017 Albany Tulip Queen Finalists Announced
Mayor Kathy Sheehan introduced the five 2017 Albany Tulip Queen finalists at a press conference in Washington Park on April 27th . While only one of these remarkable young women will be crowned the 69th Albany Tulip Queen, all five will work together on community service and literacy advocacy initiatives as the 2017 Albany Tulip Court.
These young women were chosen from a pool of dozens of nominees by a committee of local leaders through an extensive interview process based on their volunteer service, commitment to the local community and leadership skills. The 2017 Tulip Queen will be crowned at the Lakehouse Stage at Tulip Festival on Saturday, May 13 at noon by Mayor Sheehan, 2016 Tulip Queen Adaviah Ward, and Chad O’Hara of B95.5.
The finalists are:
Erin Bryk, Age 21, Latham
Erin is a senior at Barnard College, Columbia University, graduating this May with a Major in Asian & Middle Eastern Cultures and Political Science. She plans to pursue a career in law and public service. During college, she’s worked as a Criminal Division Intern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and a Constituent Affairs Intern at U.S. Senator Gillibrand’s Office. Locally, Erin has volunteered at several organizations, including Colonie Youth Court, Shaker High School’s Girls Take Charge Program, and the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. She is an avid reader and enjoys photography, painting, and yoga. As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, Erin is looking forward to serving as a role model and leader in the Albany community along with the rest of the Court and to helping young people to achieve their educational goals.
Ashley Loggins, Age 23, Albany
Ashley is a graduate of Clarkson University with a degree in Chemistry and Biomolecular Science. She currently works at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. She has been involved in a variety of community service organizations, including Family Promise of the Capital Region, Glory House of Prayer Children’s Summer Program, American Cancer Society, Albany South End Children’s Café, Habitat for Humanity, Vanderheyden Hall, and The Arc Program. In her free time, Ashley enjoys hiking, working with children, traveling, music and coaching basketball. As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, her goal is to develop a “Literacy in the Park” event, where book donations are received for a day filled with food, entertainment, and literacy activities for children.
Kelly Phillips, Age 21, Loudonville
Kelly is a senior majoring in Psychology, graduating in May from Siena College. She works at North Colonie Central School as a Special Education Teacher Aide. She has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, has helped them plan and run several fundraising events, is a lifetime Girl Scout and troop leader, has traveled to South Africa to teach English at an orphanage and is a local volunteer Firefighter. She loves activities in the outdoors like hiking, camping and kayaking. She plays rugby for Siena and participates in local 5k’s. As a member of the 2017 Tulip Court, Kelly hopes to create a literacy program that inspires the youth of Albany to make a difference in their communities.
Julianna Rauf, Age 19, Medusa
Julianna is a sophomore English major at Siena College. She tutors in the Siena College writing center and HEOP offices while also working at Stewarts Shops. She volunteers with the American Legion, Urban Scholars, Red Cross, and through Siena College working with international students and senior citizens. She enjoys sports, music, reading, writing, nature, and spending time with her chocolate lab. Julianna’s goal as a member of the 2017 Tulip Court is to make a positive difference in the community by being an influential leader who brings out the best in others and herself through literacy.
Amanda Volk, Age 21, Albany
Amanda is a Graduate student working on her Masters of Public Health in the Epidemiology program at the University at Albany where she also completed her Bachelors Degree. She currently is a part of an internship program at General Electric. Amanda has experience volunteering with The Global Institute for Health and Human Rights and the New York State Public Health Association. She enjoys spending her time reading, cooking, exercising, traveling, yoga, and playing with her dog. Amanda’s goals as a member of the 2017 Tulip Court are to develop a literacy project that would combine reading with public heath.
For more information on the Albany Tulip Queen & Court, visit www.albanytulipqueen.com. Media partners for the 2017 Tulip Queen program include B95.5, WVCR and WSG.
The 69th Annual Albany Tulip Festival will be held May 13 & 14, 2017. For more festival information call 518.434.2032 or visit www.albanyevents.org.
