THE 2012 WOODLAND Planters’ Day Princesses, from left to right, Mikala Ewert, Kayla Johns and Tanna Winters. Photo provided courtesy of lewisriver.com.
The work has already begun for the three teens announced as the 2012 Woodland Planters Day Court, with this year’s theme commemorating its 90th Anniversary, celebrating 90 Years of Community Spirit.
Woodland High School juniors, Tanna Winters, Mikala Ewert and Kayla Johns make up this year’s court.
For Winters, a member of both the National Honor Society and National Merit Scholars Program, junior class treasurer, cheerleader and avid photographer, being on the court fulfilled a longtime dream, but she admits it’s taken some getting used to.
“I had no idea I’d be considered such a celebrity, even when I’m doing something like going to a restaurant,” Winters said. “But it’s nice to know the whole town looks up to you and I can be seen as a good role model.”
The 16-year-old daughter of father Shannon and mother Trisha Winters is also passionate about community service and serving others, volunteering at numerous events in town from Make a Difference Day to writing love letters to senior citizens for Valentine’s Day, and helping different groups at Christmas time.
“It’s something I want to continue doing once I’ve finished school. I love being able to give back to people,” Winters said.
Mikala Ewert, 17, adds joining the court to a long list of accomplishments, including being part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) as a competitive public speaker, joining Winters in the National Honor Society with a 3.99 GPA and as an accomplished musician who plays the baritone sax and prides herself on being able to read music.
The daughter of Joni and Ray Ewert Jr. also has been involved with the Girl Scouts, although she is taking part in a boycott of selling cookies this year to protest the closing of the Longview and Hoquiam camps, but is proud to represent the City as a Princess.
“I’m glad to do this for Woodland and for my friends,” Ewert said, “and being on the 90th anniversary court makes it even more special.”
Ewert initially had plans to pursue a law degree after high school, but has since changed her mind, leaning more towards anthropology and being a forensic investigator and later a college professor.
“I love the research aspects of it, and one of my favorite TV shows is ‘Bones,’ so I’d love to do that for a living,” Ewert said.
Kayla Johns’ family has been in the Woodland community for 40 years and its very much a part of who she is. The 17-year-old daughter of Yvonne and Raymond Johns spent the last three years on the volleyball team as a player and manager. She also worked alongside Ewert in the Interact club and this year helped establish the trapshooting club at Woodland High.
“This has been a dream of mine and I am excited to see it progress throughout the year,” Ewert said.
Like her fellow princesses, Johns has been involved in the community, working on Make A Difference Day and at the Skills Center helping her class’s “Adopt-a-Family” program for Christmas, as well as assisting local homeless children in a Christmas Round-up, as well as volunteering at the Woodland Co-op Preschool every month.
For Johns, working with families and helping children has guided her to pursue a career in medicine as a nurse.
“I love the idea of helping families getting started,” Johns said.
All three girls are looking forward to the buildup to the coronation of the Queen in June, and don’t see any sort of competition among them, as they’ve been friends since they met back in the third grade.
They also find it an opportunity, rather than a distraction from schoolwork and activities and time with their families.
“I actually think it enhances our high school experience,” Johns said, “because it gives us a chance to make a difference that not everyone gets.”
Ninety percent of the proceeds from this year’s Planters’ Days will go to the Field of Dreams Children’s Charity program.
