David Douglas High School crowned senior Michelle Le as its 2020 Rose Festival Court princess on Friday at the school. Active in student council and Communicare, Le plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician, studying biochemistry and biophysics at a four-year university.
The daughter of Mei Ling Leung and Thanh Le and sister to Michael Le, Michelle Le was born in Salt Lake City. She was one of four candidates at the school: Kiara Childers, Madison Hernandez and Amelia Kang, all seniors.
Each year, the Portland Rose Festival names up to 15 young women to its court. They receive one-on-one mentorship from women executives and a $3,500 scholarship provided by The Randall Group. Beginning the first week of May, the court travels together for five weeks, visiting community events, senior living centers, youth organizations and more.
David Douglas kicked things off with its Rose Festival Court ceremony Friday. The process continues Monday at Cleveland High School and will be complete March 20, when St. Mary’s Academy crowns its princess. The queen of the Rose Festival Court will be named June 6 just before the Grand Floral Parade takes to Portland streets.
Read more about David Douglas’ princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival.
David Douglas crowned Michelle Le as its 2020 Rose Festival princess on Feb. 28, 2020, at the school. The four candidates, all seniors (from left to right), are Kiara Childers, Madison Hernandez, Amelia Kang and Michelle Le.Portland Rose Festival
Future education & career plans: Michelle plans to attend a four year university majoring in biochemistry and biophysics, with a minor in gender and women’s studies. She aims to take a pre-medicine route along with her primary studies to become a pediatrician, combining her love for science and working with children.
High School Activities & Honors: Michelle has been involved in student council and was elected as Head of Communications her senior year. She has also been involved with David Douglas High School Communicare for three years. Through this club, she was able to donate over $15,000 to local nonprofits that provide support for sex trafficking survivors and youth in the Portland Metro Area that struggle with mental illness.
Hobbies and special interest: In her spare time, Michelle loves volunteering in her community.
What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? “My all time favorite place to visit in Portland is Multnomah Falls, especially to see the breathtaking view that comes with hiking the trail. Not only am I reminded of the beauty that surrounds me, but it provides me with the self care that is typically neglected throughout my chaotic week of school and long hours at work.”
What are you most proud of during your high school career? “Academically, I am most proud of maintaining a 4.0 GPA every year in high school while taking rigorous courses and being very involved in school activities. I am proud that I was able to dedicate a significant amount of time in high school to making students feel connected to each other and our school.”
What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why?
“Good in the Hood Multicultural Festival. I remember the very first time I attended, I immediately felt welcomed by the different people that surrounded me. This is my absolute favorite event simply because it allows people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and appreciate the beauty of our differences while doing it in a way that is not only educational, but fun.”
— Kjerstin Gabrielson, [email protected], @KjGabrielson
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