In the mid nineties, the Jacaranda Committee at the time thought that the festival was losing the interest of the younger population of Grafton and looked for something which might generate a bit of interest from the teenagers.

As a result, the Junior Jacaranda Queen Quest was born, and it has been a popular and successful addition to the Jacaranda Festival ever since.

The first Junior Jacaranda Queen Quest was held in 1997 with 10 entrants. In the following years, the Junior Quest drew increasing numbers of candidates. In 2001, there were 17 junior candidates and since then the Junior Committee have restricted the numbers each year to either 12 or 14.

This year, in 2008, we have 12 beautiful Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidates. The 2008 Junior Jacaranda Queen and Junior Jacaranda Princess will be announced during the Queen Crowning Ceremony on Saturday 25th October.

2008 Junior Jacaranda Que

As a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate, the girls have the chance to experience many things that they may not have thought about doing previously. They are tutored and practise the difficult task of public speaking.

At fundraising functions the girls try their hand at lawn bowls and put their trivia skills to the test. They are able to participate in a fashion parade; while being pampered they learn techniques in make-up and skincare, they love having some professional portraits taken, and they get to meet and speak with lots of different people as they are involved in many Jacaranda functions leading up to and throughout Jacaranda Week.

For each young girl, it is a journey of special memories, of making new friends and of personal growth. Every year it is very rewarding for the committee to see the building of confidence and self-esteem in the girls as they take part in the quest.

The Junior Jacaranda Queen Quest has been lucky enough to have some very loyal and supportive major sponsors who have helped out each year.

en Candidates. Photos taken by The Daily Examiner.

(From left ) Jessica Parker 14, Elissa Predo 13, Rachel West 13, Rachel Houlahan 14, Rachael Mackenzie 13, Elora Norris 13, Jorga Mason-Gale 12, Tahlia Goodwin 14, Chloe Hackett 14, Melista King 13, Lily Barry 13 and Zanetta Officer 13.

The BCU, Crispin Cabinetmakers, Dr Chris Van Vurren Orthodontist, The Daily Examiner, Radio 2GF/FM104.7, Nutrimetics, GDSC, Twisted Scissors, Pollacks Pharmacy, Grafton Fast Photos, and Grafton Shoppingworld have remained major sponsors and each year we have up to 90 local businesses support the quest with small donations and prizes for our fundraising functions.

All fundraising for the Junior Quest is undertaken as a group headed by a sub-committee of the Jacaranda Festival Committee Inc. known as the Junior Committee. All funds raised by the Juniors combined with the Senior candidates goes towards the running of the next years Jacaranda Festival.

The Junior Jacaranda Queen Quest is open to girls aged between 11 and 14 years and nominations open the first week of May each year, closing when the quota of candidates are received or at the end of May.

Photos taken by The Daily Examiner

Chloe Hackett (left)

Chloe is a 14 year old student at Grafton High School and is the daughter of Craig and Kristy Hackett of Grafton. Chloe is a talented athlete and is interested in all sports.

Rachel Houlahan (centre)

14 year old Rachel attends McAuley Catholic College and loves dancing and tennis. She is the daughter of Ros and Steve Houlahan of Grafton.

Zaneta Officer (right)

13 year old Zaneta is a huge High School Musical fan and attends St Andrew's Christian School. She is the daughter of David and Linda Officer of Waterview Heights.

Elora Norris (left)

13 year old Elora's mum is Kathleen Winner of South Grafton and Elora attends St Andrews Christian School. She wants to one day be a fashion designer as she loves to design clothing.

Tahlia Goodwin (centre)

Tahlia is a talented netball player who attends Clarence Valley Anglican School. She is 14 years old and is the daughter of Cheryl Goodwin and Philip Goodwin of Grafton.

Elissa Predo (right)

Elissa is 13 years old and is the daughter of Karen and Trevor Predo. She attends McAuley Catholic College and loves to read and draw.

Jorga Mason-Gale (left)

Jorga is 12 years old and is a keen netballer. She attends McAuley Catholic College and is the daughter of Rick Gale and Sharlene Martin of Grafton.

Melista King (centre)

13 year old Melista loves to dance and also enjoys soccer. She attends South Grafton High School and is the daughter of Trevor and Maree King of Grafton.

Jessica Parker (right)

Jessica's mum is Sherida Parker and 14 year old Jessica attends Grafton High School. Jessica enjoys horse-riding and most sports.

Rachael "Macka" Mackenzie (left)

Rachael is a McAuley Catholic College student who enjoys netball, most sports and annoying her brothers. She is the daughter of Warwrick and Lisa Mackenzie of Waterview Heights.

Rachel West (centre)

Rachel loves rowing just on dusk on the beautiful Clarence River. 13 year old Rachel attends Grafton High School and is the daughter of Revee and Donna West of Grafton.

Lily Barry (right)

Lily is 13 years old and lists her favourite pastime as hanging out with family and friends, and she enjoys sports. Lily is the daughter of Lucy Wells and Graham Barry and attends McAuley Catholic College.

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