Kristen Thomaselli, a 2009 graduate of West Virginia University will be celebrated as this year’s Cherry Blossom Princess by the West Virginia State Society in Washington, D.C.

The state societies select accomplished women every year to represent their state’s culture and traditions as the Cherry Blossom Princess. The selected women participate in educational and leadership activities as they serve their nation and home state. Over 3,000 young women have participated in the program since 1949.

Thomaselli, who graduated from WVU with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, works in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) where she handles constituent communications.

“It is a great honor to be selected as the Cherry Blossom Princess for the state of West Virginia. Even though I live in Washington, D.C., I still feel very connected to the people of the state and am glad to be given the opportunity to be able to speak to others and inform them about West Virginia, especially in light of the recent mining tragedy,” Thomaselli said.

The West Virginia State Society was formed in 1914 by people who live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and still consider the state of West Virginia “home”. It is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for West Virginians to get together and create a positive presence in the nation’s capitol.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime and the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States in 1912. This year, the festival is taking place from March 27 to April 11.

-WVU-

ep/4/8/10

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