Queens of the Past

Kelly Plucinski is 2003 Cherry Queen

Kelly Plucinski

BY SARAH HENRY
Record-Eagle staff writer

Kelly Plucinski, 21, daughter of Gary and Karen Plucinski of Williamsburg, was crowned the festival's new queen at Friday night's coronation ball and dinner held at the Grand Traverse Resort.

Plucinski attends Oakland University where she is studying theater performance, and succeeds outgoing National Cherry Queen Ashley Prusick.

As National Cherry Queen, Plucinski will travel the country promoting the cherry industry. "I want to follow the legacy of Ashley Prusick and promote the health benefits of cherries, because I think a lot of people can be helped by this beneficial fruit," the newly crowned queen said.

First runner-up was Brandi McClain, 21, of Grayling. As first runner-up, McClain will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Plucinski receives an $8,000 scholarship, while the other three queen finalists receive $1,000 scholarships.

Story courtesy Traverse City Record Eagle.