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Since 1948, Maryland Yacht Club has
held celebrations to determine and celebrate the crowning of
a new Queen of the Chesapeake. This tradition has continued
for many years and has impacted the lives of countless young
ladies. The year-long preparation for this very event allows
a group of some of the brightest young women to grow as
individuals, building their character and confidence in
themselves, as well as allowing each girl to build life-long
friendships. Each young woman on stage had the incredible
support of all the other girls and this wonderful community
on the bay.
This year, I, Courtney Reed, was given
the absolute honor of accepting the title of Queen of the
Chesapeake from past Queen Caitlin Campbell from 2010.
Caitlin has been an enormous support to me during my time as
princess, and has encouraged all the girls, including
myself, to appreciate one another for our own unique
personalities and gifts as individuals. Her friendship will
always be unparalleled and her leadership will serve as an
inspiration for all the girls.
The day of the
pageant was beautiful, but the girls each shown bright in
comparison through their own personalities and strengths
during the questions and the time spent waiting for the
results. The bonds we formed through the year held strong
through all the stress, and I know that every girl watching
from stage was silently praying and applauding her friend’s
courage to stand in front of everyone as she answered the
challenging questions the judges had to ask. I have never
had such an amazing experience as waiting for the final
results and holding the hands of my friends and sisters.
The first runner up was Sara Soistman
from Eastern Yacht Club, followed by Kristy Woods from Sue
Haven Yacht Club, and Lara Prettyman from Miles River Yacht
Club. Also, Erin Chase from Baltimore Yacht Club earned the
title of ‘Miss Congeniality,’ a title the girls all vote on.
Each of the girls showed all of her brilliant qualities on
the stage, and each was a winner for her courage,
intelligence, and character. It is an honor for me to be
chosen as the guide and leader for such an amazing group of
young ladies, and I can only hope that, as Queen, I can give
these young ladies as much pride as they have given me in
calling them my close friends and sisters.
As the 64th Queen of
the Chesapeake, I hope to continue improving the bay and
creating a wonderful environment for all the people who
enjoy this wonderful gift. I am looking forward to an
incredible year, and I hope that I will make the community
that has supported me proud, while encouraging all the girls
to keep true to themselves and embrace their individuality
and beauty.
I look forward to seeing everyone out
on the bay and continuing to build the relationships I have
created this past year. Thank you for all of your love and
support.
- Courtney Reed
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Ms. Courtney Reed
Queen of the Chesapeake
2011-2012
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