"Our new Queens of Lakefair 2009... Michelle Santos, Shelby Collins, Rychelle Willis, Liz Jodway, and Paula Tilson!"

That is what the five of us were hoping to hear, knowing we were, and are, all so deserving of the title.

In our discussions prior to the coronation, we were confident that the new Lakefair Queen could easily be any one of us.  

I, Michelle Santos, feel extremely blessed to have been the one crowned the 52nd Queen for the Capital Lakefair Royalty Scholarship Program.

I have lived in Lacey my entire life and finally have an outlet like Lakefair to give back to my community which is what this is all about!  As your reigning Queen, I would like to, not only be a strong representative for Capital Lakefair and the Lacey/Olympia/Tumwater community, but also act as a role model to those who are passionate about giving back to their community.

Remembering my experiences as a Lakefair Princess, I realize that I have grown immensely as a person.  As Princesses of the 2009 court, we have all had the opportunity to meet many unforgettable people from our communities during the activities that we have participated in through this program.

I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this entire experience.  Thank you to the 2008 Court for all of their advice and guidance and, of course the 2009 Royalty Court who are all Queens in my eyes.  I’d like to give a special “Thanks!” to the Capital Lakefair Capitalarians, specifically Bob and Serry Barnes whose commitment, hard work and passion for the community has never gone unappreciated or unnoticed.  I would also like to thank Peggy Brink who did an outstanding job her first year as the Royalty Scholarship Chairman for Capital Lakefair. She is a wonderful mentor and a “second mother” to the entire court.  Last but not least, I would also like to thank my beautiful family and friends who have been unconditionally supportive throughout this entire journey.

Michelle Santos,
Capital Lakefair Queen 2009