St. Andrew's Queen of the Highlands

Beginning in 2005, the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit decided to start a scholarship program that recognizes excellence in young women by crowning a "Queen of the Highlands" and court each year. These young women represent the Society at various parades, events and concerts throughout the year. During the games weekend they are ever present reigning over the festivities.

Each year five finalists are selected from the many applications received. These finalists are then invited to a luncheon and interview with the selection committee. A traditional Scottish lunch is prepared by a professional chef for the finalists and selection committee. Following lunch, each finalist has an individual interview with the committee where they are each asked the same set of questions. The 2009 Selection Committee consisted of: queen directors Sheila & Bree Brownlee; Society 1st Vice-President Rod Harris; Society 2nd Vice-President Mike West, and a secret judge. Assistant Director April Fuzi was also on hand at all events. From the day-long process a queen and court are selected.

After the interview and lunch are completed, the five finalists and outgoing queen are whisked away for an afternoon of pampering at Being Salon in Shelby Township where they each are treated to having their hair and make-up professionally done before heading to the evening's festivities.

That evening at the St. Andrew's Tartan Day Ceilidh, all of the finalists are recognized and the new queen and court are crowned as part of the festivities. All finalists receive a certificate of achievement. Each court member receives a crown, sash, bag, scholarship monies to help aid them in their continuing education and flowers. They also receive a kilt in the Queen of Highlands tartan, "Spirit of Scotland" to use during their year-long reign -plus lots of additional goodies for all 3 of these amazing young women.

Throughout the year of their reign the Queen attends various parades, festival and events throughout the state of Michigan to promote our annual highland games and our Scottish heritage. The court members appear with the Queen at select few parades. All 3 attend the Canterbury Village Scottish Days and the Society's Annual Highland Ceilidh & Games held the first Saturday in August each year. The Queen's reign ends the following spring where she attends the luncheon and interview and crowns her successor.