No West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court coronation during Hiawatha Fun Fest this year

While the West Seattle Hi-Yu float is in Port Orchard tonight for the Fathoms O’Fun parade, Hi-Yu leaders have had to make another tough decision: They say the traditional Junior Court Coronation will NOT be happening during this year’s Hiawatha Fun Fest on July 19:

The 2013 Board has decided that we are not able to select a Junior Court for 2014 during this year’s Summer Festival. We have been unable to line up enough nominees for the 2014 Board. Without adequate leadership for the Hi-Yu Summer Festival, we can’t assure a great experience for Junior Court members in 2014. If we are able to fill the open 2014 Board positions, then the Junior Court Coronation will be rescheduled (likely in the Fall). … We are sorry for the girls that have been looking forward to the event and the possibility of serving on the Junior Court. If you would like information about open positions on the Board and their responsibilities, please contact us at info@westseattlehiyu.com.

You can also find out more about being part of Hi-Yu by going to the general meeting this Monday (July 1st), 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford).

11 Replies to "No West Seattle Hi-Yu Junior Court coronation during Hiawatha Fun Fest this year"

  • LivesInWS June 29, 2013 (8:13 pm)

    I’ll lament the loss of a Junior Court when it includes boys and not just girls. Really, there are plenty of better things to do as a young girl than wear a formal dress and a tiara.

  • L June 30, 2013 (9:20 am)

    I am sad for the people who like and enjoy that tradition… But a smile crept across my face when they said there are not enough nominees…. way to go young ladies.

  • JimmyG June 30, 2013 (10:07 am)

    I agree LivesinWS, the pageants, tiaras, and waving from the floats is cringeworthy, and I have never understood why the “tradition” continues.
    There are numerous ways to recognize the accomplishments of young people and I’d like to think Hi-Yu could do it without the pageant aspect of it.

  • Old timer June 30, 2013 (6:10 pm)

    So, women and girls are free to do whatever they like, as long as it fits into what you feel is appropriate?

    Gotcha.

  • G July 1, 2013 (9:39 am)

    My sister was a Hi-Yu Queen back in the old days. She played cello, piano, sang, and was involved in ballet – and wore a tiara. Maybe that’s not good for all the new breed of self-important, smug West Seattleite.

    Thanks for p—sing on old tradition.

  • DHE3 July 1, 2013 (1:32 pm)

    Good riddance – has always seemed so 1960s. Instead let’s create an award given out to a youth, teen and young adult that are giving back to their community in unusual ways – boy or girl. Forget the pageantry and instead make it about their valued contributions. It could be called the Hi-Yu Amazing Young Volunteer Award and they could march in parades and sit on the back of cars waving if they wanted. Farewell to Hi-Yu Court

  • Old timer July 1, 2013 (3:14 pm)

    Yes! Make it as boring and PC as possible! The lowest common denominator is always the best denominator.

    As an added advantage, if we open it up to boys as well, we can screech about implied sexism and the patriarchy.

    And what is the difference between a “youth” “teen” and “young adult”?

  • G July 1, 2013 (4:25 pm)

    DHE3

    They are giving back to the community; the tiara and gown are just ONE aspect of the whole process. These girls are beautiful AND talented.

    Does it have to be something out of Potemkin Village, wholesome girls in dungarees, sycthing grain, to meet your approval?

    Geez, chill out.

  • Go Hi-Yu July 1, 2013 (10:06 pm)

    I would like to clear up that West Seattle Hi-Yu is NOT a pageant. Sure there is the pageantry of the float, the dresses and the tiaras, but both the junior and senior court are judged based off interviews, extracurriculars, and what a community means to them. Hi-Yu does work with the community and the court is rewarded on their community service through the float and the senior court is awarded a scholarship to continue their education. This program builds self-confidence and doesn’t focus on appearance. Hi-Yu is a symbol that brings West Seattle together, isn’t that why it’s the mural on our post office?

  • Former princess July 1, 2013 (10:44 pm)

    Having been a part of both the junior and senior courts and a volunteer, this makes me very sad. What makes me more sad are these negative comments. The senior court is based on academics, talent, interview, and community service. The junior court is based solely on an interview. People who don’t give their time to these organizations and don’t know facts don’t need to speak up. It was not enough nominees for the hi-yu board, not nominees for the junior court, there are always plenty of young girls hoping to represent and give back to their community through hi-yu.

    My daughter looked forward to running and following in my footsteps. I hope there’s a turnaround!

  • L July 2, 2013 (10:38 pm)

    It’s all about leadership and the values they choose to emphasise. Last year during the west seattle parade, my family and I sat on the curb in front of a tent. The tent was for the princesses! When they arrived, 30 min into festivities… Princess leadership said our spots were reserved- THE CURB! They had chairs and even the youngest could see over me, 5ft3…. Sitting on the curb.
    It was the woman leading the girls that displayed a ridiclous sense of entitlement, and was making sure the girls understood their right to the corner and the curb.

    I smiled and said, “well girls in west seattle we share the sidewalk.” And myself, my kiddos & the princess watched the parade from the same shared corner. Makes me wonder how they will block off the area this year ;-)

Sorry, comment time is over.