Isabelle Stratman, 16, is the daughter of Ray and Kari Stratman.
She is one of five princesses on the Sportsman’s Holiday Court. The others are Faith Black, Kayleen Keeney, Sierrah Owen and Lilly Parker. One will be chosen as queen on July 11 and the court will serve during the Sportsman’s Holiday celebration July 12.
“I’m participating in the Sportsman’s Holiday Court because I thought it would be a valuable experience for my future and because I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot about poise and how to represent Sweet Home in a positive way since I’ve been on the court and I hope to learn much more through this experience.”
After high school Stratman plans on “staying in Oregon and going to college, most likely at a community college. I plan on studying acting, modeling or fashion designing because I really enjoy these things and feel I could make a successful career from it.”
She says the biggest influences in her life have been her parents.
“They’ve always been there for me, supporting me, and they’ve helped me to become the person I am today. They’re the ones I go to for advice when I have to make important decisions or even smaller decisions. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Ten years from now, Stratman said, she would like to be living in Oregon or “a neighboring state.”
“I hope to have a successful job that I enjoy doing and to be married and starting a family.”
She has six siblings: Taylor Fincher, 20; Demi Stratman, 19; Michael Stratman, 12; Exavier Stratman, 8; Mitchell Stratman, 6; and Lilly Stratman, 6.
A junior-to-be at Sweet Home High School, she has participated in soccer and appeared in this year’s spring play, “Alice in Wonderland.” She also helps out in the nursery, with children’s church and with Vacation Bible School at her church. She’s been on Honor Roll throughout junior high and high school, and has earned many academic awards. She was named top midfielder for the junior varsity soccer team.