Lilly Parker, 16, is the daughter of Jeffery and Jodi Parker.
Parker is one of five princesses on the Sportsman’s Holiday Court. The others are Faith Black, Kayleen Keeney, Sierrah Owen, and Isabelle Stratman. One will be chosen as queen on July 11 and the court will serve during the Sportsman’s Holiday celebration July 12.
“One of the reasons I am participating in the Sportsman’s Holiday Court is because I love living in Sweet Home and being a part of and representing our community,” she said. “Even though it has only been a short while, I have already learned so much from our workshops, my fellow princesses, and never forgetting (court coordinator) Wendy Smith.”
She is undecided as to what she would like to do following high school.
“I feel as though my choices in colleges and careers are one of the biggest choices I will ever make, and want to be sure I take my time and research all the possibilities. I hope to study along some of the lines of my interests. However, I most wish to go into fashion design.”
Parker says she has been influenced in her life by “so many people, it would be impossible to name them all.”
“My family has always been there for me and supported me through the hardest times. They have raised me to be who I am, and I am happy to have them with me on this journey. Another big influence would have to be my youth pastor Don Knight. He has been friends with my family for as long as I can remember, and has supported me and cared for me like a second father. And last, but not least, is my neighbor Rodger Sherman, who over the last few years has become like another grandfather to my entire family.”
Ten years from now, she said, “I hope to begin my own family, in my own home, surrounded by people I love and a job I enjoy. But most of all, just happy with myself and life.”
She has three siblings, Wesley, 14; Ella, 12; and Olivia Grace, 9.
A junior-to-be at Sweet Home High School, Parker has participated in band, the SIM Program, soccer and track and field.