St. Andrews Queen of the Highlands

Hello, I would like to formally introduce myself to everyone. My name is Heather Forgione, and I was your 2007 St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands. It gives me great pleasure and honor to say that I was given the chance to represent the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit.

My family has always been a big part of my life, which is perhaps why I first applied to the St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands. When you have a Scottish grandma and an English grandpa you turn out how they wanted you to; with as much Scottish and English blood and heart as they have. My whole life, I have heard stories of my grandparents living in Scotland and England. I learned to love my heritage, and what it meant to be Scottish.

Over the years I have grown more and more in love with Scotland and the heritage that seemed so important to my grandparents. When I applied for the St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands I wanted to learn a little more about my Scottish culture. Throughout this year I not only accomplished that but I accomplished something that I never wanted to admit. Not only did I have to contribute a lot to this program but my family also contributed. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I would not have been able to do what I have done this year if it wasn’t for my family.

With my brother being my escort, my step-dad driving us in the parades, and my mom taking all the pictures, I guess you could say we were a team. At first I felt so bad dragging my family into something that they did not sign up for. But, after awhile I realized something like this can not be done on your own. It was me that wanted to be the St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands but it was my family that stuck behind me every step of the way.

Not many people know what goes into being the St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands. Neither did I until I was a part of it. I was able to go to many places this summer and meet amazing people along the way. I wouldn’t trade this year for anything. Although, this position is more then just having fun and meeting people, it is a job. It may not seem like it but it is none the less.

I represented the people of the St. Andrew’s Society and I represented those of Scottish descent. I had to carry myself a certain way that would only reflect positively. It is not easy going through a year with people looking at you all the time. It wasn’t until I was recognized as your Queen at a street fair, that I realized I am not just representing the St. Andrew’s Society when I wear my crown but I am representing them every minute until I give the crown over to a new Queen. Sometimes I have to say it was nerve-racking. I was so afraid I was going to do something wrong or worse, embarrass myself. I wanted to do the best job that I could do as your Queen, and I hope that I was able to live up to that.

The St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands is a wonderful program for young women who have a love for there heritage and a sense of pride for there history. I could only hope that in the following years this program grows into its full potential. In the three years since this program has started, it taken off. It is being recognized by more people every year. It is an honor to be a part of this program, and I hope that future Queens feel the same way.

This program has been life altering for me. It reminded me about what my grandmother always says. “Family is the most important thing.” She says that no matter what that your family will always stand behind you. It took being the St. Andrew’s Queen of the Highlands for me to remember how much my family is willing to do for me, and how much they mean to me.

I walked a way not just with a thousand dollar scholarship, but with memories, friendships, and more knowledge then I every thought possible. This was truly an experience that I will never forget.

Cheers,

Heather Forgione
St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands, 2007