Past Royalty 2017

Our 2017 King was born and raised in Saranac Lake, the 4th of 5 children.  He attended Saranac Lake Central School, as well as, North Country Community College, Canton ATC and Potsdam State University for Education certificates.   As a young man he served his community as a hockey coach, Commissioner of Bantams, and volunteered to help build the Saranac Lake Civic Center.     He has volunteered for the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for over 45 years; he has also served as chief, two times.  He has also served as a training instructor for “National Fire Prevention Week” in our schools. Our King is a member of the Moose Lodge, The Fish and Game Club, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge, having earned his 32nd degree.  He is a trustee at the First United Methodist Church and helped with preparation for the Election Day Turkey Supper, also helping to decorate the Church for the Christmas Season.   This year’s King is usually the “behind” the scenes kind of guy who is completely dedicated to friends, family, and his community.  He is dedicated to spreading joy and cheer to anyone who needs help; giving bagpipe lessons,  opening his home to help a both two and four legged friends.  He is known far and wide for his holiday decorations and hosting great parties.   He is most proud to be the father of two children, Elaine and Jason.  He is also proudly known as “Papa”, to 5 beautiful grandchildren, Brennan, Annaliese, Patrick, Lydia, and Anika.  Of course he is the husband to a lovely wife, of 49 years, Claudia.

Our 2017 Winter Carnival Queen was born and raised in Queens, New York. She moved to Saranac Lake in the early 1980’s to be near her children. She received the “Distinguish Community Leader” award from the Girl Scouts of New York in 2013, for demonstrating outstanding contributions over a period of time to her community as a role model, community leader and mentor.

Her volunteering includes: Adirondack Medical Center Gift Shop, High Peaks Hospice, Saranac Lake Youth Center, Methodist Church Wednesday Night Community Dinner, Saranac Lake Adult Center, Vermontville Food Pantry, Pendragon Volunteer, Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Judge and Headquarters Volunteer, Bloomingdale Fire Department Auxiliary, Literacy Volunteer – Franklin and Essex County and Bloomingdale School Reading Program.

She is involved as a member of many Organizational Boards: Senior Overlook Apartments, Treasurer for Bloomingdale Methodist Church and Saranac Lake Adult Center.

Her first job here in Saranac Lake was with the Hotel Saranac Bake Shop. She worked very closely with many Paul Smith’s College students. Ten years before retiring she was promoted to Baker. She is the very proud Mother of 5 children, Marlene, Marc, Rhonda, Jon and Caroleigh, a proud grandmother to 12 Grand Children, and 7 Great Grand Children.

Josh is a Saranac Lake native and a Saranac Lake High School graduate. He has been working in the Saranac Lake Central School District for the past 10 years. He has worked as the Middle School Dean of Students, Petrova Elementary Principal and is currently the Saranac Lake High School Principal. He married his wife Marcie in 2002, who is also a Saranac Lake native, and they have three amazing daughters, Sydney, Addison & Quinlin. Outside of school, Josh enjoys traveling with his family, camping, playing golf, refereeing and coaching hockey. Josh was born on Coronation night in 1978 and has enjoyed celebrating his birthdays during Winter Carnival. His daughter Sydney was a page in 2012 and he was a member of the Winter Carnival Court in 1996. Josh is truly honored and excited to have been chosen as Chamberlain of this year's Carnival and looks forward to all the fun festivities with the students. He wishes everyone a happy "Adirondack Wildlife" Winter Carnival.

Barbara is a native of the Adirondacks and a partner in Rice Furniture, a 3rd generation local business. She graduated from Saranac Lake High School and went on to receive her BA from SUNY Plattsburgh in Business and Economics. She later attended PA school at Albany Medical College and worked as a Physician Assistant in Vermont and Massachusetts. In 2005 she returned to Saranac Lake with her husband Chad McCarthy and son Cal to assist in the operations of the family business. Barbara was elected to the Franklin County Legislature in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017. She currently serves as the Chairwoman of the board. She was a former Saranac Lake Village Trustee as well as a member of the Harrietstown Board of Assessment and Review. In 2014 she was chosen as one of two county representatives to serve on the NYS Fire Safety and Building Code Council. Most recently she was appointed by Governor Cuomo to serve as a Commissioner on the Adirondack Park Agency. Barbara has been very active in the local community and is a member of the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, a Trustee on the Adirondack Health Foundation and a former board member of Habitat For Humanity. She also helped found the Village of Saranac Lake Downtown Advisory Board and the Outdoor Movie Committee.

Kelly is the daughter of Dennis and Susan Dwyer. She grew up in Saranac Lake and has worked for the Saranac Lake School District for over 20 years as a physical education teacher. Seventeen of those years at the elementary level and the past few at the high school. She is married to her wonderful husband Mike and together they have two incredible boys, Michael and Jake. As a family, they love everything outdoors. She was on the court her senior year in high school and is honored to be a part of this year's carnival. Knowing these amazing kids on the court since they were in kindergarten, one even longer, she's really looking forward to spending this carnival season with them. Kelly wishes everyone the best carnival ever!

Our 2017 Winter Carnival Prince is Marcus Johnson. Marcus was born and raised in Camden New York, and attended Watertown Central School, graduating in 2014. Marcus will graduate from North Country Community College in June 2017 with a dual major in Wilderness Leadership and Environmental Science.Marcus is involved in the Environmental Club, Newspaper Club and Outing Club at North Country Community College. He enjoys hiking and backpacking.He is the son of Ellen Johnson and the brother to Douglas, who is a student at Oswego University.

Our 2017 Princess, Desiree Stumpf was born and raised in Chateaugay, New York. Attended Chateaugay Central Schools. Desiree will graduate from Paul Smith’s College in June, 2017, Cum Laude, with a degree in Wildlife Management, with minors in Biology and Sustainability. She was a peer educator for her first three years at Paul Smith’s. Her senior year she was promoted to Peer Educator Manager. She was peer leader for welcome week. She was teaching assistant for Freshman Year Seminar. She serves on the committee for Safety and Ethics.She played volleyball for Paul Smith’s in her freshman and sophomore years and was served as Assistant Captain. She was also Captain of the Cheer Team. Her volunteering includes Snowshoe and Cross Country Skiing Judge for Regional and State Winter Special Olympics for three years. She is the daughter of Larainea Stumpf from Churubusco, New York. She has a twin sister, Carolyn, who recently graduated from Paul Smith’s College.

Hannah is the daughter of Tuffield and Kathryn Latour and the older sister to TJ Latour. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey, soccer and running track. Hannah is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of Student Council, vice president of Key Club, and president of Saranac Lake High School's Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter. She plans to attend college in the fall. Hannah was a page in 2008 and is honored to be part of the carnival again. She wishes everyone a wild and happy winter carnival!

Jay is the son of Amy and William Chapin and brother to Julia Chapin. He was previously a page in the 2008 "Hooray for Hollywood" Winter Carnival. He is a four-year varsity soccer, hockey, and lacrosse player for the Saranac Lake Red Storm. In college next fall, Jay will be majoring in Business and Communications. He is honored to be nominated for the 2017 Winter Carnival Court and hopes everyone has a festive and safe carnival.

Jada is the daughter of Kristin and Kyle, stepdaughter of Sam, and step sister to Zach. She loves running indoor, and outdoor track and enjoys playing volleyball, and singing in the women's vocal ensemble. Jada is Treasurer of her class, President of the New Vision class, President of French Club, Vice President of Green Storm, Treasurer of Key Club, a member of National Honor Society, Model U.N., and Student Council, and an alumna of St. Bernard's School. Next year she plans on attending college to study biology and sports medicine, and run track. Jada is thrilled to be a part of this years carnival court, and wishes everyone a wonderful carnival!

Ethan is the son of Shelly and Dana, and brother to Emma. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, Nordic skiing, and running track. In the winter, Ethan can be found on the trails of Dewey Mountain racing with the Saranac Lake Nordic Team and training for the Nordic Junior National Championship. He is also a member of National Honor Society and participates in Adirondack Young Life. In the fall, he plans to attend college to study engineering. Ethan is honored to be chosen as a member of this year's Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a happy carnival.

Eshna is the daughter of Paresh and Pragna Prajapati and the sister to former court member Anuj Prajapati. She has enjoyed playing soccer for SLHS all four years of high school. She is president of Student Council, co-president of National Honor Society, and a St. Bernard's School Alumna. In the spring of 2017, she will be traveling to Cusco, Peru with the school's Spanish Club. Eshna is excited to be a part of the 2017 Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a wild carnival!!

Liam is the son of Chris McCloskey and Amy Kohanski, and the grandson of Nita Kohanski. Born and raised in Saranac Lake, he is a three-year varsity soccer player and finished this last season as a Second Team All-Star. He loves to spend his weekends in the winter snowboarding at Whiteface. Liam is looking forward to graduating high school and beginning his college career. He wishes everyone a very happy winter carnival.

Aurelle is the daughter of Terence and Jaime Fogarty and the older sister to Sullivan, Andrew, Peter, and Paul. Aurelle plays soccer in the fall, lacrosse in the spring, and competes in alpine skiing in the winter. She is the vice president of her class, a member of National Honor Society, and an alumna of St. Bernard's School. In the summer Aurelle works at Mountain Mist and 4-H Camp Overlook. Aurelle plans on attending college in the fall. Aurelle was a page in 2008 and is honored to be part of the Royal family again. She hopes everyone has a howling good time at carnival.

Tyler is the son of Tom and Julissa Callahan, the younger brother of Alejandro, and the older brother to Ryan and Amber. Tyler is a three sport athlete who plays football, basketball and rugby. He hopes to go to college in the fall to study law and play Division II rugby. Tyler is all about having a fun time and wishes everyone the most exciting and joyous carnival!

Elodie is the daughter of Vanessa Houghtlin and Walter Linck and the older sister to Daven and Sylvie. Elodie spends most of her free time in ballet classes, and when she isn't dancing she enjoys taking part in women's ensemble, high school musicals, and working as an officer for Green Storm, Spanish Club, Key Club and National Honor Society. She has also been very involved with the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit. Elodie hopes to attend college in the fall to study dance and environmental policy. She is honored to be a part of the 2017 Winter Carnival Court, and she hopes everyone has a fantastic carnival.

Jake is the son of Mike and Kelly Spadaro and the younger brother of Michael. Jake has enjoyed playing football, basketball, and running track for the Red Storm. He is a member of the Outdoor Club and volunteers for the Big Buddy program. His favorite memories are on the lake, whether it's on a boat in the summer or snowmobiling in the winter. Jake is confident everyone will have a blast this winter carnival!

Taylor is the daughter of Tim and Joanne, younger sister of Sam and Allie, and aunt to Oliver. Taylor is a member of the jazz band, select women's ensemble, and the varsity volleyball team. She also takes part in National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Student Athletic Association. She plans on attending college in the fall. Taylor has dreamed of being on the Winter Carnival Court since she was a little girl and would like to wish everyone a safe and happy carnival.

Gunnar is the son of Tyler and Wendy Cross. He loves spending his winter on the ice, either playing pond hockey or ice fishing. He plans to attend college in the fall in hopes of pursuing a career in law enforcement. Gunnar is honored to be a part of the Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a wild and fun carnival.

Alivia is the daughter of Corrine and Frank Sapone and the sister of Michael and former carnival court member, Kylie. She is the president of National Honor Society, vice president of Student Council, vice president of Key Club, class secretary, and Concert Choir treasurer. She is also a varsity volleyball captain, a member of the select vocal ensembles, and has enjoyed several roles in various musicals. For the second year in a row, Alivia was very happy to be accepted as a participant in NYSSMA Conference All-State in Rochester, as she loves to sing. She is very thankful to have the opportunity to be on court with some of her closest friends and wishes everyone a WILD carnival!

Joseph is the son of Kirsten and William Viscardo and he is the younger brother of Nicole and Erik. Joe is a four-year, three-season athlete who enjoys playing football, basketball, and baseball for the Red Storm. He plans on attending college in the fall and hopes to play football at the collegiate level. Joe is honored to be a part of the Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a wild carnival.