M’Ryah Kelley was crowned Thursday as Grant High School’s representative on the 2023 Portland Rose Festival Court.
The daughter of Alisha and Darryl Kelley, the Grant senior plans to study biology or kinesiology at a college or university. At Grant, she participated in varsity volleyball and the Grant Dance Collective.
Rose Festival Court announcements began earlier this week. The additional members of the court so far are:
In all, 15 students from Portland-area high schools will serve on the court. Each will receive a $3,500 scholarship courtesy of The Randall Group and one-on-one mentorship arranged by Unitus Community Credit Union.
Announcements continue Friday at Central Catholic and Monday at St. Mary’s Academy. The final member of the court will be named March 24, and the 2023 Queen of Rosaria will be crowned June 9 at Oregon Square in Northeast Portland.
The Rose Festival kicks off with fireworks and City Fair’s opening May 26 and culminating with the Grand Floral Parade on June 10.
Read more about Princess M’Ryah, as told to the Portland Rose Festival.
Future education plans: I want to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) where I plan to major in biology or kinesiology.
Career plans: I want to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer.
High school activities and honors: Honor Roll, SEI, BSU, Sistas of Color, Varsity Volleyball, 2nd Team All-League (Volleyball), Grant Dance Collective, Tappin’ Roots Intern, National Honor Society.
Hobbies and special interest: I love listening to music; anything that has to do with music I love to do. I also love to watch movies with my little sisters.
What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to visit in Portland is the Rose Garden. I love to look at all the flowers.
What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of helping my volleyball team make it to the second round of playoffs for the first time in decades.
What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival Event is the Starlight Parade because I love to see the lights and the unique floats. I love how the Starlight Parade brings everyone together.
Unitus Community Credit Union Mentor: Carmen Ramm.
— Grant Butler
503-221-8566; gbutler@oregonian.com; @grantbutler
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