WASHINGTON, DC – The North Carolina Society has named Taylor Adams as its 2026 delegate to the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) Cherry Blossom Delegate Program, recognizing her leadership, public service, and commitment to North Carolina communities.

Founded in 1896, the North Carolina Society brings together friends and partners of the State of North Carolina in Washington, D.C. to foster patriotism and promote pride in the “Old North State.” As the oldest state society in the nation’s capital, the organization continues to strengthen North Carolina’s presence through civic, cultural, and service-driven engagement.

A proud Charlotte native, Adams represents the next generation of North Carolina leadership serving at the national level. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she served as a Resident Advisor and SAFE Program Counselor, mentoring fellow students and helping foster a supportive campus environment. During her time at UNC Charlotte, Adams was inducted into the Order of Omega Honor Society in recognition of her leadership and campus involvement. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she remains deeply committed to scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

Adams remains actively engaged in the Charlotte community through her involvement with the Young Black Leadership Alliance, where she works alongside other young leaders dedicated to creating meaningful, positive change throughout the city. She also volunteers extensively with Common Heart, helping provide food and essential resources to families across Charlotte and the surrounding communities.

Professionally, Adams serves in the Office of Congresswoman Alma S. Adams in the U.S. House of Representatives. As someone born and raised in Charlotte, she finds particular meaning in contributing to work that supports the same community that helped shape her. She is also a member of The Congressional Black Associates, an organization focused on strengthening the political, social, and economic development of Black professionals on Capitol Hill.

“Taylor exemplifies the values the North Carolina Society seeks to elevate—leadership, service, and pride in our state,” said North Carolina Society President Elizabeth Adkins. “She is an exceptional representative for North Carolina.”

Established in 1948, the NCSS Cherry Blossom Delegate Program commemorates the historic gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the United States and celebrates the enduring friendship between the two nations. Held annually during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., the week-long program brings together accomplished young women leaders from across the United States, U.S. territories, and international partners for cultural, educational, and civic engagement opportunities.

Delegates are selected by their state or territorial societies based on leadership, academic achievement, and interest in civic and global affairs. Participants represent their home states at public and private events, engage with leaders in government, business, arts, and media, and take part in programming highlighting Japanese-American relations and international goodwill. The program culminates in the selection of a United States Cherry Blossom Queen, who represents the nation on an official goodwill tour to Japan.

Through Adams’ selection, the North Carolina Society continues its mission of elevating North Carolina leadership while supporting cultural exchange, public service, and global friendship.

WASHINGTON, DC - As the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival approaches, the North Carolina Society is thrilled to announce Lily Kate Snyder as their delegate for the 77th annual National Conference of State Societies Cherry Blossom Program in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1896, the North Carolina Society is the oldest state society in Washington, D.C., bringing together individuals with ties to North Carolina to promote patriotism, state pride, and foster friendships. The society organizes various social and cultural events, including participation in the Cherry Blossom Princess Program, and is dedicated to non-partisan and non-sectarian activities, strengthening the connection between North Carolina and the nation's capital.

“Lily Kate is a truly incredible young lady with a passion for leadership and a heart for service. We could not be more excited to have her represent North Carolina this year,” said NC Society President Elizabeth Adkins. “This experience can be life-changing, and I know Lily Kate will make our great state proud.”

Elizabeth Carolina (“Lily Kate”) Snyder, daughter of John and Jennifer Snyder, grew up just outside of Charlotte. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of South Carolina. On campus, she is actively involved in her sorority, Tri Delta, where she has helped organize fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children's Hospital. As Lead Reporter for the Student Garnet Television News Team, Lily Kate has honed her communication skills, connecting with and inspiring others. She has also served as a North Carolina House and Senate Page through participation in the North Carolina Youth Legislature. In her free time, Lily Kate enjoys needlepoint, singing, dance, lacrosse, yoga, and exploring her interests in performing and visual arts, fashion, interior design, and fitness.

Lily Kate’s commitment to leadership, service, and cultural engagement makes her an outstanding candidate for the Cherry Blossom Princess Program. Her diverse experiences in government, media, and community activities have equipped her with the skills needed to serve as an ambassador for the State, continuing the legacy of excellence and friendship that the Cherry Blossom Princess Program upholds.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival gets underway in Washington, D.C., the North Carolina Society has announced Riley Pingree of South Mills will represent the Tar Heel State during the 76th annual National Conference of State Societies Cherry Blossom Program in Washington, D.C. The North Carolina Society is the oldest state society in Washington, DC, and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Delegate annually since 1950.

“Riley is a scholar, a leader in her community, and has a heart for service. The North Carolina Society is honored to have her represent our state,” said Greg Steele, President of the North Carolina Society.

Pingree is the daughter of April and Greg Pingree of South Mills. She currently lives and works in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Camden Early College High School in 2020 as the President of the CECHS Student Government, Interact Club, and National Honor Society. She also volunteered at the South Mills Fire Department, led the Coast Guard Junior Leadership Program as Battalion Commander, and was a CCHS Swim, Cross Country, and Track & Field Teams member.

At 19 years old, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Communications and Social Economics degree. She was a first-generation college student and member of the First-Generation Student Society, Phi Mu Sorority, Wesley Campus Ministry, and Student Rams Club. Shortly after graduating, Pingree was awarded the title of Miss Greenville and competed at Miss North Carolina. Her platform, "Fresh for Families,” raises awareness and funds for those impacted by food deserts in rural North Carolina. Upon moving to D.C., she interned for Senator Thom Tillis, worked for Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07), and is now a press assistant for Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09). She enjoys hot yoga, horseback riding, Pilates, and long-distance biking in her free time.

WASHINGTON, DC – Ahead of the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival, the North Carolina Society of Washington is thrilled to announce that Colleen Watson will represent our state during the 75th annual Cherry Blossom Princess Program. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society in our nation’s capital and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess every year since 1950.

“We are delighted that Colleen Watson will serve as North Carolina’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “Colleen exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess: she is an accomplished scholar and community leader with strong Tar Heel State ties. We cannot wait to welcome her to Washington, DC to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Colleen is the daughter of Kevin and Tonya Watson of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and the granddaughter of Mary Ann Clinton Bombardier, who served as Minnesota’s Cherry Blossom Princess in 1991. As a little girl, Colleen would try on her grandmother’s cherry-blossom-pink dresses and white ball gown and dream of following in her footsteps. She is also the great-granddaughter of the late Donald R. Watson, a businessman and community leader in Wilmington, North Carolina who generously gave his time and financial resources to The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In 1994, the university’s Watson School of Education was named in his memory, honoring his efforts to advance the teaching profession and public education.

Colleen is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education at the University of Mary Washington. She is an active leader on campus, helping organize community cleanups and collecting food and school supplies to donate to local public school students. Colleen possesses strong time management skills and self-discipline: in addition to sewing, crocheting, knitting, and painting goods to sell on Esty, she works full-time at the Fawn Lake Country Club.

WASHINGTON, DC – In anticipation of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival, the North Carolina Society of Washington is pleased to announce Shelby Mozingo of Clemmons, NC will represent the Tar Heel State during the 74th annual Cherry Blossom Princess Program in our nation’s capital. The North Carolina Society of Washington is the oldest state society and has sponsored a Cherry Blossom Princess annually since 1950.

“We’re thrilled that Shelby Mozingo will serve as North Carolina’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “As an accomplished scholar, leader in her community, and proud North Carolinian, Shelby exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess. We look forward to welcoming her to Washington, DC to take part in this wonderful experience."

Shelby is the daughter of Hank and Leslie Mozingo of Clemmons and the granddaughter of Roger and Wanda Mozingo of Winston-Salem, who were active members of the State Society for more than two decades before returning to North Carolina. Shelby attends the Clemson University Honors College where she studies Biochemistry and Psychology with minors in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Spanish. She is a Psychology Department Davenport Scholar and a member of both Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-Health Honor Society. Shelby is on track to graduate summa cum laude December 2022, and plans to attend medical school. Her dream is to serve with Doctors Without Borders or another organization performing surgery in underdeveloped countries.

At Clemson, Shelby is an engaged student leader. She participates in Student Government as the Assistant Director on the Executive Committee for Organizations and Outreach, a Senator on the Legislative Committee for Innovation and Technology, Vice President of Member Development for the Clemson chapter of Undergraduate Pediatric Society, and Vice President of Recruitment and Training for Welcome Week Clemson. Shelby is a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and participates in undergraduate research where she served as the senior author on work published in the Journal of American College Health. Additionally, Shelby works as a university tour guide, a student transition assistant for the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement, and at Lululemon Athletica, Inc.

During her college career, she has competed on the Clemson Crew team, served as an orientation leader, volunteered in the Clemson community, worked at a senior living facility in Winston-Salem, NC, and as a YMCA summer camp counselor in Boomer, Wilkes County, NC. She also coached for a volleyball club where she mentored young girls in the sport and in character development.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ahead of the 2021 Cherry Blossom Festival beginning on Sunday, June 6, the North Carolina Society of Washington, D.C., is proud to announce our 2021 Cherry Blossom Princess, Mollie Thomas, an accomplished young woman with strong family connections to North Carolina. Mollie will represent the state of North Carolina during the 2021 Cherry Blossom Princess Program hosted in Washington, D.C.

Mollie is the daughter of Gordon and Melodie Thomas of Arlington, VA. Her half-sister Elizabeth served as the 1989 North Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess. Her father, a native of Pilot Mountain, is a former President of the North Carolina Society. Mollie was raised to believe in the North Carolina values of humility, independence, family and friends, and kindness to one’s neighbors.

“We’re proud to announce Mollie Thomas has been chosen to serve as our state’s representative for the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said society president Avery Weisel. “As a leader of her peers, an accomplished young professional, and a selfless community servant, Mollie exemplifies all the characteristics of a Cherry Blossom Princess. We are thrilled to welcome her to Washington, D.C., to participate in this unforgettable experience."

Mollie graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California in May 2020, with degrees in Television Writing & Production and Communication Studies. Mollie was also presented with the STAR Award from the School of Communication, for exemplifying the principles of service, teaching, achievement, and respect — one of only six recipients in her graduating class.

At Chapman, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma women’s fraternity. Mollie was also an active equestrian, competing with the Chapman University Equestrian Team, where she served as the Social Media Chair and as the Events Chair. In the 2016-2017 season, she was voted MVP and was the High Point Rider. Mollie earned numerous top ribbons and awards in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association post-season events, including second place at Zone 8 – Region 2 Finals, fifth place at Zone 8 Finals, and Reserve Champion at the California Collegiate Finals. Mollie graduated from The Madeira School in McLean, VA, in 2016. 

In a professional capacity, Mollie is a Gallery Associate at the Bo Bridges Gallery in Manhattan Beach, California, where she assists in curation, sales, and installation of custom fine art pieces and manages all creative digital marketing. In addition, Mollie frequently works on film & television productions as a Production Designer. She has previously interned with Stage 13, Warner Bros. Entertainment’s original content brand. Mollie has also worked as a Creative Brand Marketing Intern for Ticketmaster, and with The Atlantic at the Aspen Ideas Festival. 

2017 Cherry Blossom Princess Schuyler Weisel