Past Royalty 2019

Philip is described as an odd duck, and a unique one. In addition to being a lifelong resident, he is also fourth generation. In the course of his 50-year career as a cook he worked at two classic town dining establishments. While on duty at the Dew Drop Inn he saw pranksters changing the Hotel Saranac signs to read "Hot Sara." At Tyson's, where he cooked from midnight to 8 a.m., he was said to have seen sights and heard conversations that would have made a lesser man faint. He has been a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 30 years, holding the rank of leading knight, and is also a member of Historic Saranac Lake. He's an artist who painted the famous bobsled mural on the wall of Chuck's Bar, and for years he drew a comic strip for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and the Lake Placid News. His quirky, adorable local character Mountain Al was featured on a T-shirt with the wording, "Welcome to Saranac Lake, Official Olympic Parking Lot." The shirts were so popular the Olympic Committee sent him a cease-and-desist order, which he promptly obeyed — as soon as the last T-shirt was sold. Griffin was married to the late Pauline M. Gardner Griffin. He has two daughters, Kary and Kelly, who are incredibly proud of their dad and all of his accomplishments. He also has two grandchildren, Christopher Karley Grace. He enjoys bringing his grandchildren on adventures throughout the Adirondacks and bestows upon them his great stories and memories of the good old days gone by. A self-taught computer whiz, he built and maintained a website featuring all things Saranac Lake. In addition to demonstrating his skills as a premier local historian, it has been a source of memorabilia, reminiscences, oddball anecdotes, eulogies and a way for townies long gone from town to stay in touch with their past as well as with each other.

Our 2019 Winter Carnival Queen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and grew up in Delaware. In 1971, she received her Bachor's degree in elementary education from the University of Delaware. She moved to Saranac Lake in 1976 for a teaching position; and in 1985 received her Master's degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh. She volunteered for the 1980 Winter Olympics, with Ironman, as well as, Snowshoe races and Cross Country Ski races for the Relay for Life. She was one of the original Board Members of the Getaway Youth Center. Was also an original Board Member for planning the Community Lunch Box? Has been a Board member for CreativeHealing Centers for Woman with Cancer. She has been a member of Harrietstown zoning Board of appeals. A member of Kiwanis of Potsdam, St. Bernard's Parish Council, St. Bernard's Folk group, St. Bernard's Youth Minister and a St. Bernard's Eucharistic minister. She has taught High School Confirmation classes and has been a member of the staff at Camp Guggenheim. She is the past president of the beta Mu Chapter of Kappa Gamma Society International. Upon moving to Saranac Lake to teach at St. Bernard's in 1976, than worked at Petr ova Elementary, was the Principal of St. Agnes and taught 20 years at Lake Placid Elementary, having retired in 2014. She is the youngest child to the late John and Elizabeth Hickey. Has been very proud to have had two sisters Patricia and Bette and a brother John.

Born and raised in Canton, NY, Kathy is the middle of 7 children, which may or may not explain some things. Every summer from the age of 4 through college, she was lucky enough to spend the entire summer on Upper Saranac Lake at a camp her parents managed. After graduating from Colgate University, Kathy lived and worked in Denver for 5 years, where she enjoyed the sun and mountains, and continued to play ice hockey, but missed home. She moved back East in 1986 to work and raise a family of 4 Adirondack-born native sons (Brennen, Ryan, Casey and Patrick). Kathy coached youth soccer and hockey, loved to volunteer, especially at Lake Clear Elementary and in her sons’ classrooms, and secretly yearns to one day be a children’s book author – she’s got the fodder. You may see Kathy out walking, paddling, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, antiquing, golfing (poorly) and ‘collecting.’ Kathy thanks the SLHS students for this opportunity to pad her resume with a public speaking gig, sends a special hug to Emily Doyle on behalf of Casey for the Pond Hockey Tournament, and wishes everyone a joyful Winter Carnival!

When Melinda first moved to Saranac Lake full-time 23 years ago, she found the community she had craved all her life (but didn’t know it) and feels incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Melinda is an entrepreneur by background, and she brought that experience to bear in 2006 by leading the successful effort to establish The Community Store, now The Village Mercantile. In 1996 she co-founded Independent Means, the leading provider of family-centered financial education programs and products in the United States until it was acquired in 2015 and in the late 1980’s founded The Company of Women, a national mail order catalog company. She is currently focusing her entrepreneurial skills on managing Point Positive (www.pointpositiveadk.com), an angel investor group which since its inception in 2014 has committed $2.75 million to eight ventures across the Greater Adirondack Region, fueling new jobs and a stronger diversified economy in the Adirondacks. In addition to her ongoing role with The Village Mercantile, Melinda has served for over 12 years on the board of the Tri-Lakes Humane Society and just recently stepped down as president. Having also co-fostered several litters of wayward momma cats and their kittens for TLHS, it may come as no surprise that she currently lives with four cats of her own, two of whom were “foster failures,” and until recently with the late Piper McGee, her loyal walking companion and best friend who knew Saranac Lake like the back of her paw.Some of Melinda’s earlier volunteer roles included serving on the board of Pendragon Theatre, as a member of the Human Rights Committee of the Adirondack ARC and for the last four years as the Saranac Lake rep to the board of ROOST. She is currently a Trustee for the Village of Saranac Lake.

Originally from Williamstown, New Jersey and Deltona, Florida, Michael Navarra has spent nearly half of his life in the Tri-Lakes. After graduating from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, with a degree in Organizational Communication, in 1998 he and his future wife Carla Bowman, of Lake Placid, moved back to the area. They married in 2001 and started their family in 2006. Their son, Markus Navarra is currently a student in Saranac Lake Middle School. Michael has held a number of positions ranging from insurance sales to carpentry. He has coached volleyball at the junior varsity, varsity and collegiate level. He currently works in construction and coaches the Red Storm JV and Varsity Volleyball teams. The varsity team’s back-to-back sectional championships, 2017 and 2018, attest to Michael’s commitment to the success of this great group of student athletes. Michael has served as a volunteer for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Snowflake Volleyball Competition, helped with Ironman Lake Placid, marathons in the region and Village Clean-up. Additionally, Michael has successfully operated the Dreadhead Soccer Camp which has provided hundreds of local and international students with the opportunity to play, compete and hone their soccer skills in a safe environment for 20 years. One of Michael’s favorite events is to participate in Winter Carnival. Michael has not only participated in the parade, he has helped construct several floats over the years. He feels the celebration is as unique as the town it is held in. He is honored to be asked to participate as the Archbishop in this years Winter Carnival Celebration.

Christian is a native of California and is a student at North Country Community College. Christian is the son of Christian Murguia Sr. and Jennifer Carpenter. He has a brother named Quintin and a sister named Emilie and her husband Bryan. Christian's family moved to Saranac Lake in 2012 after his mother watched a T.V. show about Saranac Lake and thought it would be a great place to raise a family. He has been active in the Truth Initative to stop tobacco use. Has been an assistant with the Lake Placid Center for the Arts for the Children's Theatre and has volunteered with the local arts programs. He also participates in the student Government Association for North Country Community College. Christian enjoys climbing ice slides, going to the beach, surfing, skiing, horseback riding, acting, singing and trying new things. While representing Manhattan Beach he won a life guard relay race. Future plans include becoming an ocean lifeguard.

Kenadhe is a student at Paul Smiths College, lives in Saranac Lake. She is a graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School in Ohio... She is the daughter of Donald Howell and Landa Meriwether. Kenadhe has participated as a Peer Mentor for two years, and being a tutor and a peer leader. She is a member of the DECA Club and is a Co- Captain of the Cheer Team. She will graduate from Paul Smiths College in 2019 with a BPS 4 year degree in Baking Arts and Service Management as well as an AAS 2 year degree in Hotel Restaurant Management and a minor in Small Business. Her future plans are to own a bakery.

Ryley is the daughter of Douglas and Kathleen Fischer and the youngest sibling to former court members Dustin and Macy. Ryley is a 4 year, 3 season athlete and captain playing soccer, lacrosse, and alpine ski racing alongside her partner Sully. Ryley’s extracurricular activities include membership in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Green Storm, secretary of Key Club, and Vice President of Student Council. Ryley’s passions include teaching others--from ski lessons to local kids at Mt. Pisgah, to mission trips in Cambodia to teach the English language. She will be attending the University of Denver in the fall of 2019. Ryley is grateful to be a member of this year’s court alongside a great group of individuals and wishes all a Happy Winter Carnival.

Sully is the son of Jamie and Terence Fogarty and the brother of former Winter Carnival Court member Aurelle. He is the older brother to Peter, Andrew, and Paul. Sully plays soccer in the fall, Alpine skis with his partner Ryley in the winter, and plays lacrosse in the spring. In the summer, he enjoys competitive water skiing and working at Mountain Mist. Sully plans on attending college this fall. Sully was a page in 2010 and is honored to be a part of the royal family again. Sully would like to wish everyone a happy Carnival.

Mistre began her life in Saranac Lake after being adopted along with her brother Abraham from Ethiopia at the age of 6. She is a 3 season athlete as well as a member of National Honor Society, student council, Key club, French club, Green Storm and secretary of her class. She would like to thank all the people who have helped her through her school years, especially her parents Phil Newton and Dianne Fortado, as well as her sisters Abi and Lizzy who have always been there for her. Mistre is currently enrolled in the New Vision program and plans on attending college to go into the medical field. One of her favorite memories is being a page in 2010 and dancing on this stage. Mistre is very honored to yet again be a part of Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Court.

Steven is the son of Kyle Bearce and Kimberly Wilkes and is a brother to former Winter Carnival court member Ty Marmion as well as siblings Savanna Marmion, Lucas Bearce and Dayna Bearce. Steven is proud to have been a part of the Saranac Lake Red Storm Soccer team for 6 years. Some of his hobbies include snowboarding, biking, swimming and spending time with friends and family. Steven is honored to be on the 2019 Winter Carnival Court and would like to thank his friends and family for their generosity and support.

Julia is the daughter of Bill and Amy, sister to Jay. Julia enjoys school and is currently in the New Vision program. She is involved in many extracurricular activities, including Co-President of the National Honor Society, Treasurer and Co-Editor of the Canaras Yearbook, and a member of Student Council and French Club. Julia also participates in year round athletics. She plays soccer and lacrosse for the Redstorm and has been a captain of both varsity teams. In the winter, she is a competitive figure skater and a volunteer junior coach. She plans to attend college in the fall and study science or medicine. Julia was a page in third grade and is honored and excited to be a part of the Winter Carnival Court once again.

Brooks is the son of Susan Starr and Jeffry Fletcher, and is the older brother of Claire Fletcher. Brooks is a 3 season, 3 sport athlete for the Red Storm, playing soccer, basketball, and track. Brooks has volunteered at Adirondack Medical Center working in the emergency room and the dietary department. He is active in the community by coaching with the Saranac Lake Youth Soccer Association. He is enrolled in the New Vision Program and plans to go to college and work in the medical field in the future. Brooks is honored to represent his school and community in this year’s Winter Carnival Court.

Danielle is the daughter of Richard and Joy Gonyea, and sibling to Brandon, Kenneth, and Bethany. Danielle is the president of her class, and of Student Council. She is also involved in Key Club, National Honor Society and Select Women’s Ensemble. Danielle is the co-captain on the volleyball team and a member of the softball team. After high school, Danielle will be going to college with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Danielle is thankful for her friends and family for helping her get to where she is today, and to have been named a member of the 2019 Winter Carnival Court.

Heaton is the son of Bernard and Tammy McCormick. He has 4 siblings: Brandon, Jessica, Vashti, and Kailee. Heaton enjoys playing hockey and spending time with friends. He lives on his family’s farm and he also works for many members of the Saranac Lake community. Heaton is always there to lend a helping hand to members of our community. Heaton would like to thank his family and friends for helping him become who he is today and is honored to be on the 2019 Winter Carnival Court.

Edina is the daughter of Dzemal and Sejdefa Cecunjanin, younger sister to Dzihad and older sister to Rijad. Edina has participated in soccer, indoor, and outdoor track and field throughout her high school career. She is the treasurer of student council, secretary of the Spanish club, and a member of Key club and National Honor Society. Edina is taking part in the New Vision program and plans to attend college to pursue a career as a nurse. Edina is highly honored to be a part of this year’s court and hopes everyone has an amazing carnival.

Bruno is the son of Keith Freeman and Laura Antonelli. He is proud to represent his school this year as a member of the Winter Carnival Court. In addition to playing on the ice hockey and lacrosse teams, Bruno participates in student government, is a member of National Honor Society, and is president of his school’s technology club. His interests include computer programming, mathematics, Dungeons & Dragons, ultimate Frisbee, and paddling with his dog Rascal. Bruno would like to thank his parents for encouraging him to challenge himself in all aspects of life and wishes everyone a happy carnival.

Maggie is the daughter of James and Laura Carpenter and the younger sister to Charlie. She is Vice President of her class and is a member of National Honor Society, student council, Spanish club and key club. She is a three sport athlete, playing soccer, basketball and softball. For fun, Maggie enjoys hiking the 46ers as well as drawing and painting. After high school she plans on attending college where she will be studying physics and art. Maggie is honored to be elected by her peers to be a member of the court and is looking forward to a fun Winter Carnival.

Quin is the son of Bill and Lynda Peer and brother to Phoebe and Chloe. Quin is a member of the YAC committee for section 7. This committee partnered with the Special Olympics to a bring Unified basketball program to many schools, including Saranac Lake. He has always enjoyed the many events of Winter Carnival, especially the snowshoe races and gala parade. Quinlan is planning on attending college and pursuing a career in journalism.

Madison is the daughter of Michelle and Casey Reardon. She holds office in both the Outdoor club and Spanish club. In the fall she enjoys playing soccer and playing softball in the spring. After high school she plans on attending college with a major in Special Education. Madison is very honored to have been selected for Winter Carnival Court this year and would like to thank her grandparents Dan and Mary Reardon for their continued support and love in everything she does.

Owen is the son of Brett and Debi Yando, brother to Brady and Kaitlyn. While in high school, Owen has been involved in many extracurricular activities including soccer, indoor soccer, Plattsburgh football club, indoor track and outdoor track and field. He volunteered to be a Carnival character for several years and is excited and honored to be part of the court this year. His future plans include attending college with the aspiration of becoming a teacher after being inspired by the many teachers and mentors he has had in the past. He has enjoyed his high school career in Saranac Lake and the many memories he has made here. Owen would like to thank everyone for this opportunity and wishes everyone a happy carnival.