"I was honored to be selected by the Illinois State Society to represent our wonderful state as a Cherry Blossom Princess in Washington , D.C. and will always be thankful for the opportunity given to me. It not only allowed for everyone to celebrate the friendship between the United States and Japan, but it also allowed for me and everyone else involved to form new friendships with members of various state societies, Congressional members, foreign ambassadors and fellow princesses."

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2008 ISS Cherry Blossom Princess
Colleen Praxmarer

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2007 ISS Cherry Blossom Princess
Danielle Hampton

The Princess stop to visit with their favorite escorts prior to getting on the bus for the next event.	Molly Ware and Jeanne Jacob, both former ISS Presidents, and Amy Anda, former ISS Cherry Blossom Princess.

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2006 ISS Cherry Blossom Princess

Emily Carlson

Emily Carlson commented that the time leading up to and through her week as the Illinois Princess during the 2006 Cherry Blossom Festival is more than an "elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist" wave and a "sash!"