“Strawberry Nights,” the theme for the Strawberry Festival’s 117th year, invites the Strawberry Festival Court to reflect on the iconic film “Grease,” a movie about friendship, confidence, music, dreams, summer memories, school spirit and classic style.
Just like the film’s main characters, each Strawberry Princess is approaching the end of an era to enter the bigger world beyond, marked by a carnival or, in this case, a Strawberry Festival.
The crux of the movie relied on the strength of friendship groups, and as Princess Ruby VandenBos reflected on her own friendships, she found she most values “honesty, friends that are loyal and people who can celebrate successes with you.”
But looking back on her favorite summer memories, it’s the Fourth of July barbecues with family that stand out as the best.
“There is nothing better than sharing a meal after floating the river with all the people that I love,” she said. “The fireworks are great, too.”
VandenBos, 18, is the daughter of Casey and Jessica VandenBos. She has one brother, Finn, and a sister, Janie.
She gives a nod to her mom, saying that between her festival wave, ability to eat fair food and dance moves, it is “definitely” her dance moves VandenBos believes she could win in a competition because Jessica had her surrounded by dance since she was very little.
VandenBos leaves Lebanon High School as a three-sport varsity athlete, serving as captain in girls soccer, team captain in basketball, and also participating in track and field.
It’s “sports!” she said, that brings out her passion and energy.
“There is nothing more empowering than having a team who feels like family cheering you on,” she said.
She served as senior senator, and is a member of Leadership and the National Honor Society. She also helps lead Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is very active in her church, including volunteering with the children’s ministry program.
Outside of school activities, VandenBos enjoys reading, listening to music, working out, camping and spending time at the river during the summer.
Following graduation, she plans to attend Linn-Benton Community College to pursue a career in elementary education.
But meanwhile, she will represent her community as a Strawberry Princess, a role, she said, that means a lot to her.
For VandenBos, it’s important to take pride in where she comes from – the city of Lebanon that she loves and is proud to represent. It is her hope, she said, to encourage others to serve and to lead boldly.
“I want to make a positive impact on our community and encourage our youth to lead by example with grace, confidence and humility,” she said. “You are never too young to make a difference.”