Tulip Queen finalists chosen
Five in running at May 13 festival event
Staff report
Albany Tulip Queen 2023 finalists; Mariah Carter, 19, left, Victoria Clary, 23, Haleigh Gaston, 22, Olivia Owens, 23, and Jadan Rivera, 22, right, pose for a photo in the tulip beds on Friday during a news conference at Washington Park in Albany. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced the five finalists who will serve the community as the 75th Albany Tulip Court.
Tulips are in full bloom in the Washington Park flower beds ahead of this year’s Tulip Festival on Friday.
The five 2023 Albany Tulip Queen finalists were introduced at a news conference in Washington Park Friday.
The 2023 Tulip Queen will be crowned at the Lakehouse Stage at the Tulip Festival at noon Saturday, May 13 by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, 2022 Tulip Queen Sam Mills and Chad O’Hara of B95.5. The finalists are:
Mariah Carter, 19, Albany, a freshman at the University at Albany. She intends to major in communications. Her hope is to work in public relations and marketing and to help the community by bringing awareness to youth mental health. She is also committed to celebrating the opening of small businesses across Albany. Motor Oil Coffee in Albany is a business Mariah has supported in opening and she looks forward to helping other businesses.
Victoria Clary, 23, Albany, is finishing up her first year of graduate school at The College of Saint Rose. She is working hard to earn her master’s in social work degree. Throughout her time at Saint Rose, she has played an active role in Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is passionate about working with and advocating for children in need. She is a nanny for two young boys and a direct support professional and respite worker for a child with autism. As a member of the 2023 Tulip Queen and Court, Victoria hopes to continue advocating for the youth of Albany and those in need of a voice.
Haleigh Gaston, 22, Latham, is a graduate student at the University at Albany where is studying for her master’s in criminal justice. She is passionate about law and justice, volunteering with an organization called Legal Hand where she provides legal information and resources to members of the Capital Region. Her future plans include attending law school to pursue public interest work. As a member of the 75th Tulip Queen and Court, Haleigh strives to promote a feeling of belongingness and support among the Albany community and encourages others to do the same.
Olivia Owens, 23, Albany, is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor of arts in culture and business practices and a minor in communications. She graduated magna cum laude, maintaining a cumulative 4.0 GPA and is listed on the NCAA ALL–SEC Academic Team. Olivia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and is an eighth-grade math teacher who coaches modified girls’ basketball for the middle school. She has future aspirations of attending law school.
Jadan Rivera, 22, Albany, is enrolled in the RN program at Maria College. She is a lifelong resident of Albany. Jadan currently works as a licensed practical nurse and enjoys getting the opportunity to help people each and every day. She hopes to someday open her own practice. Jaden hopes to work to make a difference and inspire others to help strengthen the community. Jadan values spending time with her family, music, and taking walks. Jadan’s goal is to be a good role model for the youth in the community and wants to work hard to make a positive impact.
For more information visit www.albanyevents.org.