I am truly honored to be selected to represent the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit as the 2010 Queen of the Highlands. I was overwhelmed by the extremely warm welcome, and the kindness of everyone I met at the Society.  It was a true privilege to have spent time with the Queen of the Highlands directors, finalists, committee members, and former Queen of the Highlands. It was very rewarding to spend time and to truly make a connection with each and every one of them. The other finalists are amazing young women, all so involved in their own communities, and with such a large number of activities. I was so lucky to have not only met them, but to have made an instant connection with all of them, because of their genuine, sparkling personalities. As one of your finalists, I would like to thank the Queen of Highlands directors and selection committee for their hospitality and gracious hosting of the luncheon and other events that led up to the Tartan Day Ceilidh on Saturday April 10, 2010. It was such a fun day, thanks to the efforts of everyone I was lucky enough to have met.

For those St. Andrew’s Society members I have not yet met, I am currently a senior at Stoney Creek High School in Rochester. I will be graduating on June 10, 2010. From there, I am planning to attend Michigan State University in the fall, to become part of the Pre-Med program there. The past four years of high school, I have volunteered at Troy Beaumont Hospital through the Patient Aid Program, in which I have been able to truly get to know the amazing group of people who make the hospital run and serve so well. I am excited to go into this field because I have truly loved volunteering for Beaumont. I think I will really enjoy the medical field because I really love helping people. I have met a number of patients, and I always feel better when I leave there than when I came in. I love being able to dedicate my time for comforting them during their stay at the hospital, which is the primary reason I want to pursue the medical field. I am involved in Relay for Life, which is through the American Cancer Society. I have served as Student Council President, National Honor Society President, Rotary/Interact Club President, and been a part of the State Board of Delegates of Student Councils and Honor Societies for the state of Michigan (with Holly, one of the other members of our court!).  I have driven Meals on Wheels for the Older Persons’ Center, and have taught Sunday school at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church of Rochester. I have been a participant, as well as a leader, for Challenge Day all four years of high school. I have been so blessed with my entire schooling experience to have such great support from my administration, staff, family, friends, and community.

I am very pleased to be able to serve with two astonishing young ladies in your court: 1^st Runner-Up Holly Manciero and 2^nd Runner-Up Geneva Ruppert. I look forward to joining these remarkable and charismatic young ladies in representing the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit at many events throughout the year. I hope you are able to attend the various activities and celebrations we will be attending this year, and on behalf of all of us, we all look forward to meeting you.  

I am ready and so excited to represent the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit. I truly appreciate the faith and trust the selection committee and entire association have placed in us. During the 2010 year I will represent the organization with professionalism and the highest respect. I am humbled to represent the Society. Thank you again for this fantastic opportunity. I look forward to meeting all of the members of the Society as I embark on this journey as your 2010 Queen of the Highlands.

Warmest Regards,
Madeline Knapp
2010 Queen of the Highlands