National Conference of State Societies

Jennifer Meets Prime Minister Abe in Tokyo

May 23, 2007 report and photo from Associated Press: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, poses for photo together with 2007 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen Jennifer Elkins, right, and the 21st Japan Cherry Blossom Queen Michiru Hirabayashi during their courtesy call at the Prime Minister's official residence in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 23, 2007.

Jennifer is a college sophomore from Independence, Missouri, President Harry Truman's hometown.  She is the first cherry blossom princess representing the Missouri State Society of Washington, DC , led by President Julie Jolly, to be selected as the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen since the program started in 1948.  She presented a personal letter from President George W. Bush to Prime Minister Abe that stated in part, "Laura was once again grateful to serve as the Honorary Chair of the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, and we appreciate your warm welcome of our 2007 Cherry Blossom Queen, Jennifer Elkins of Missouri, to your beautiful country."

Michiru Hirabayashi, shown at left in the picture, attended the National Conference of State Societies Cherry Blossom Ball on April 13 when the Wheel stopped on Missouri and Jennifer was selected.  That night, Michiru and Japan Cherry Blossom Association (JCBA) counselor Sonoko Kudo invited Jennifer to visit Japan this week.  Just before this picture was taken, the two queens had also visited with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, J. Thomas Schieffer.  Jennifer will also meet Yohei Kono, Speaker of the House in Japan, who is also chair of the JCBA.

Jennifer Leaves for Japan May 21

At left is Japan Cherry Blossom Queen Michiru Hirabayashi who visited with the NCSS state society cherry blossom princesses from April 8 to 14, the day of the parade. At right is Jennifer Elkins of Independence, Missouri who was selected 2007 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen by the spin of the Wheel of Fortune at the Grand Ball on Friday night, April 13.  The two students of medicine are both shown at the end of a cold parade on Saturday, April 14.  Jennifer and Michiru will be re-united in Japan next week and Jennifer leaves on May 21 to be a guest of the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.

2007 United States Cherry Blossom Queen

   

Jennifer Elkins, age 20, of Independence, Missouri was selected as the 2007 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen on April 13, 2007 at the annual NCSS Cherry Blossom Ball in Washington, DC.  This is the first time that a Queen has been chosen from Missouri since the princess program started in 1948. (Photo above by Carl Bouchard.) CLICK HERE to see hundreds of photos taken of cherry blossom princess events by Carl Bouchard from the Lantern ceremony on April 8 to the parade on April 14.  Also, see pictures and links below for other Lantern and Congressional Reception photos.

Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo of Guam is pictured at left and Minister Akitaka Saiki, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, is shown at right above as Jennifer was given the ceremonial Mikimoto Pearl Crown to wear for pictures.  This was the 50th Anniversary of the crown that was given to Washington, DC in 1957 for use at this annual event. Both Congresswoman Bordallo and Minister Saiki were also present to spin the Wheel of Fortune and crown the queen.

In accordance with a tradition of 59 years, Jennifer was chosen at the National Conference of State Societies Cherry Blossom Ball when the Wheel of Fortune landed on Missouri.

Jennifer has been invited to visit Japan in May by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.  She will travel to various events in Japan with her counterpart, the Japan Cherry Blossom Queen, Michiru Hirabayshi.

The Colorado Cherry Blossom Princess, Julie Zitterkopf, was voted as Miss Congeniality by her peers and the wheel landed on Alaska to select Katherine Bowlus as the first runner up.

Missouri State Society

In 2002, an unexpected guest showed up at the reception for the Missouri State Society's cherry blossom princess.  It was Clifton Daniel, a grandson of Missouri's native son, President Harry S. Truman.  Surprises can be fun and the people from the "Show Me" state know how to have fun.

The best way to contact the society is by sending an email to Julie Jolly of the University of Missouri office in Washington.  Her email address is jollyju@umsystem.edu.

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Missouri Society Officers President   Julie Jolly   First Vice President   Martha Petkovich   Secretary   Amy Blair   Director of Membership   Annie O'Toole   Second Vice President (Fund Raising)   Mike Zito   Treasurer   Sarah Woodward   Events Chairmen   Atalie Ebersole and Cara Mason