A sudden drenching downpour did little to dampen the spirits of contestants eager for results in this year’s Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Queen competition.
Winning the tiara for 2015 was Caroline Keil, 17, of Mattituck. First runner up was Jackie Davey, 17, of Southold.
“I’m shaking; I’m so excited,” Caroline said, after winning. “I want to be a role model for girls and for boys and represent the community in the best way possible.”
The event, the highlight of the 61st annual Strawberry Festival, took place under a tent due to the sudden deluge.
The five contestants, which also included Mercedes Edwards, 16, of Greenport, Cora Small, 16, of Southold and Charlie Claudio, 16, of Mattituck, went through an interview and judging process, which took place at a ceremony earlier this month.
Reigning 2014 Strawberry Queen Jasmine Clasing, who will graduate Southold High School next week, spoke to the girls before announcing the winners. “Whoever wins, cherish every moment of this year. It’s a gift, and it goes very quickly.”
After announcing the winner, Jasmine gave Kiel her strawberry scepter, along with her robe and crown.
Strawberry Queen Chair George Lessard was also on hand, along with Robert Scott of Robert’s Jewelers, who traditionally provides the glittering tiaras to the winners.
Caroline hopes to study architecture at Cornell after high school.
