2016 Winter Carnival Royalty | The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

Meet the winter carnival Court

The Winter Carnival celebration begins with the coronation of the King and Queen of the Winter Carnival - local citizens who have been chosen for their substantial contributions to the well-being of the Saranac Lake community through their volunteer work. The King and Queen will be announced during the Coronation.

Click here for the past Kings and Queens

2016 Winter Carnival Court Biographies

King

Brendan Keough - Our 2016 Winter Carnival King was born and raised in Saranac Lake. He attended Saranac Lake Central Schools and graduated from SUNY Canton.

He has been very active in many community organizations and activities such as:

Part of the original organizing Committee to establish the Saranac Lake Youth Center.
Past board member of the Saranac Lake Youth Center.
Served as an Interim Assistant Program Director of the Saranac Lake Youth Center.
Volunteer member of the Upstate New York Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
Charter and Past member of the Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club.
Pal Football Coach.
Past President of the Pee Wee Hockey Association.
Saranac Lake Pee Wee Hockey Association Coach for many years.
Member of the Saranac Lake Elk’s PBOE 1508.
Past President and Co-Founder of the Good Grief Experience Inc. and Camp Good Grief.
Shared the Franklin County Fire Fighter of the Year with 3 other members of the Saranac Lake Fire Department. Also received the Northern New York Fire Fighter of the Year, for actions taken in a residential fire in 2011
Volunteer at Saranac lake High School for Student Bereavement group.
Member of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years, serving as an officer for 18 years.
Member of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team.
Member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
World’s Worst Ventriloquist.
He is 3^rd Generation Royalty, for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival.

Works in the Family Business.

Currently President and Manager of the Fortune Keough Funeral Home.

Son of Ronald and Peggy and Husband to Julie.

Father to Meghan & her husband Andrew, Kelly and Fiance Andrew and son Trevor.

OUR 2016 WINTER CARNIVAL KING IS BRENDAN KEOUGH

Queen

Kathy Ford -

Our 2016 Winter Carnival Queen was born and raised in Albany, NY. She is the oldest of 5 girls and a graduate of the Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Her love for the Adirondacks began as a child with vacations on Lake George. She moved to Saranac Lake in the 70’s, her first job was a waitress at the Mirror Lake Inn.

She has been very active with different organizations and activities such as:

She has been Co-Coordinator of the Adirondack Medical Center Auxiliary’s Antique Show and Sale.
Designed invitations and volunteer for several Hospital Gala benefits.
Coach for Saranac Lake Youth Soccer.
Past member of Woman’s College Scholarship Club – Serving as Secretary for 2 years.
Volunteered for more than 6 years with numerous Community Theater Players and Town Hall Players Productions, including painting scenic backdrops and designing posters and programs, especially for Children’s programs.
Served on the Getaway Youth Center Board for 2 years.
Served on Pendragon Therre Board for 15 years, including 2 as President. Donated substantial graphic design services to Pendragon Theatre over the years.
A founding member of the Petrova PTA.
Served as First Co-President of the Petrova PTA.
Volunteered for many School productions and Art Shows.
Volunteered for Saranac Lake Pee Wee hockey Association. , Served as recording Secretary and registrar.
Served on Board of the Saranac Lake Young Arts Association, as Secretary and public Relations Coordinator.
Has served over 15 years with Lake Placid Center for the Arts, currently on the Board of Trustees.
Co Choreographer for several Saranac Lake High School musicals.
Volunteers for Farm2 Fork Festival.
Saranac Lake Village Improvement Society member and volunteer.
Steering committee member and volunteer for Hobo Fest.
Involved in Saranac lake Winter Carnival in many capacities, including the design of the current Winter Carnival Logo.
Served as Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Chamberlain in 2002.
Named Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2015.

She is famous for her Holiday scenes painted on the picture window of her home.

She is currently employed with Ad Workshop in Lake Placid as Sr. Creative Designer and Production Manager.

She is the Daughter of Ed and Grace

Wife to Lonnie.

Mother to Devin and Kyle, as well as, Mother-in- Law to Jamie.

OUR 2016 WINTER CARNIVAL QUEEN IS KATHY FORD

PRINCE

Morgan Hancock - Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and moved to Saugerties, NY when I was 15 and began logging with my uncles and their forestry business. I was homeschooled, and received a GED, then applied to Paul Smith's College when I was 19. I graduate in December of 2016 with a Bachelor's Degree in Forest Operations and Ecological Forest Management. Been on the Dean's list every semester that I've attended PS. I plan on starting a career in forestry, whether it's with the family business or a different company. Former member of the PSC Woodsman's Team, and am president of the Woodworking Club at PS. I enjoy chainsaw carving in my off time quite a bit (perhaps I could try some sort of ice carving during carnival?). Son of Scott and Barbara Hancock and has one sibling, Katharine. Morgan volunteers to help the Paul Smith's College Veteran's Association, volunteers at Big Tupper Ski Area as well as assisted and participated in "Pushups for Celia" and "Pushups for Gracee. He has also been a Paul Smith's College Peer Leader (orientation leader) for three years.

Princess

Jordyn Santana - Jordyn is the daughter of Teresa Santana. She is attending North Country Community College and completing an AA degree in Liberal Arts and Science. She is hoping to transfer into a sonography program. Jordyn has lived in Lake Placid her whole life and values staying close to home while attending college. Her future plan is to become an ultrasound technologist but is first going to get her CNA license. Jordyn loves to shop and have fun with her friends and loves to play volleyball. She is a longtime volunteer with the Tri-Lakes Humane Society throughout high school and volunteered at the Relay for Life and The Out of the Darkness walk.

Grand Marshal

Jimmy Law - The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee chose Jimmy Law as its 2016 Grand Marshal for the Gala Parade on February 13. Jimmy Law was born and raised in Saranac Lake and graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1985. He is married to Robin Hogan and they reside in nearby Rainbow Lake. He is a two time combat veteran serving from 1990 – 1992 with the United States Navy in combat operations in the Northern Persian Gulf in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Jimmy’s second tour was from 2003 – 2005 serving with the United States Army combat operations in Iraq, in support of operation Iraqi Freedom, embedded with the 1st Infantry Division. Jimmy served as a cryptologist for the United States Navy from 1986 – 1997 and with the New York State National Guard from 1999 – 2003. Jimmy also served as a police officer in Saranac Lake from 1997 to 2014, receiving a promotion to Sergeant in 2008. During his career as a police officer, Jimmy served as the D.A.R.E. officer for the Saranac Lake Central School District where he was instrumental in getting the D.A.R.E. program implemented in kindergarten through high school classes. He also served as the school resource officer in the Saranac Lake Central School District. Jimmy is currently working toward his third career as a funeral director and is enrolled full-time in the Mortuary Science program at Hudson Valley Community College. He was also named to the President’s List at North Country Community College as part of his Mortuary Science studies. He is employed and mentored by Brendon Keough of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home of Saranac Lake. Jimmy is a member of the combined Parish Council of the Catholic Churches of the Mountains and Lakes and is also currently serving as a New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician with the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue SquadIn his spare time he enjoys hiking, camping, and downhill and cross country skiing. He is also an aspiring “46er.” Jimmy has given so much to our community and we are glad to have him serve as our 2016 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Grand Marshal.

Archbishop

Brad Varner – Having been introduced to the Adirondacks as a junior in high school, Brad immediately fell in love with everything the area has to offer; the mountains, the hiking, the people, and especially the Winter Carnival. He promptly moved to the area in 2005 where he met his beautiful bride, at the Young Life Camp on Upper Saranac Lake. During that time he was a volunteer coach for the Saranac Lake Cross Country and Track teams. He also had the opportunity to become a 2006 Lake Placid Iron Man finisher. After a few years out of the area working for Young Life, Brad couldn’t stay away and in 2012 accepted a Landscape Supervisor position at the Young Life Camp where he currently works. This time, bringing with him his daughter, Abilene, and son, Andrew, Brad and Brooke are proud to be putting down roots and raising their family in Saranac Lake. Brad also attends and leads worship at Adirondack Alliance Church as well as works with local Young Life and high school students in Saranac Lake. Brad is honored to have been chosen as this year’s Archbishop and can’t wait to MARVEL at all the 2016 Winter Carnival has to offer.

Chamberlain

Cecily Dramm – Cecily moved to Saranac Lake ten years ago, but just celebrated her 30^th summer living in the Adirondacks. She grew up in Naples, Florida, but prefers the mountains. She shares her home with her awesomely talented husband and two daughters. Her daughter, Helena, was a page in 2011, and her daughter, Annelise, was a page in 2013. They both thoroughly enjoy the Winter Carnival festivities. In 2011, Cecily became the school nurse at Saranac Lake High School. She loves the students she works with, and cannot imagine a better place to spend her days. She is grateful to the Winter Carnival Court for including her this year. This is the first class she has worked with for four years.

ATTENDANTS TO THE KING AND QUEEN

Macy Fischer - Macy is the daughter of Doug and Katie Fischer and the sister to Ryley and former Winter Carnival Court member, Dustin. She is a three sport athlete, member of the National Honor Society and current president of Student Council. Mt. Pisgah is her second home during the winter where she loves to teach ski lessons. Macy plans to attend college in the fall to study media marketing. Macy is honored to be a member of the 2016 court and hopes everyone has a SUPER fun carnival.

Michael Cross – Michael is the son of Randy and Donna Cross. His older brother, Adam, graduated four years ago. When Mike isn’t participating in Young Life, singing in the concert choir and men’s ensemble, or “hamming” it up in school musicals and plays, he can be found as #44 playing basketball for Saranac Lake. Michael is looking forward to attending college next year and pursuing his interest in history. Mike wishes all the “supers” out there a super carnival!

COURT SPOKESPEOPLE

Nathalie Munn – Nathalie is the daughter of Timothy and Amy Munn and the younger sister of Kellen. Nathalie is president of the environmental club and the outdoor club, vice-president of the Spanish club and a member of the National Honor Society. Nathalie is also very involved with the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit. She plays softball in the spring and is a lifeguard at Lake Colby Beach in the summer. Nathalie plans to attend college next year to major in environmental studies. Nathalie was a page in 2007, and is honored to be part of the royal family again. She wishes everyone a happy and safe carnival!

Connor Celeste – Connor Forrest Celeste has three brothers and one sister. His parents are Joseph and Victoria. He is the middle child and enjoys painting and hiking. After high school he is going to college in Germany to study neuroscience. His favorite memories from high school will include being part of the Ithica Gospel Festival and a cast member of various musicals. He hopes everyone has a great time during carnival.

COUPLE #1

Alexa Clark – Alexa is the daughter of Caleb and Jen Clark. She has three younger sisters, Grace, Bethany and Jillian. Alexa enjoys playing soccer and running track. She also loves art and is part of chorus and ensembles. Alexa is honored to be a part of the 2016 Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a happy carnival!

Justin Farmer – Justin is the son of Bob and Colleen Farmer. He has an older brother, Jason and a younger sister, Morgan. Justin enjoys playing soccer, hockey and lacrosse. In his free time, Justin hangs out with his friends or just relaxes

COUPLE #2

Carley Sawyer – Carley is the daughter of Carol and Gordon Sawyer and the sister of Ethan. Carley has enjoyed playing soccer and golf for the Red Storm. Carley is president of her class and the Key Club. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. In the fall, Carley hopes to study mechanical engineering and to play college golf. Carley is honored to be a part of this year’ s Winter Carnival Court and would like to wish everyone a great carnival!

Evan Hill – Evan, the son of Michael and Michelle, is a busy kid. Evan plays four sports, football, hockey, rugby and golf, throughout the school year and is also part of the high school band as a first chair clarinetist. Evan is currently a part of the New Vision program, a program with a vigorous workload that allows students to go into the hospital and rotate through the many different departments. Evan plans on going to college this fall to pursue a career as a doctor.

COUPLE #3

Caitrin Bodmer – Caitrin is the daughter of Kevin and Alicia Bodmer and the younger sister of Hayley. She is the service-hour coordinator for the National Honor Society, secretary of the Key Club, treasurer of Student Council and an active member of the Environmental Club. Caitrin also plays lacrosse in the spring. She plans to attend college in the fall. Caitrin wishes that everyone has a great carnival!

Michael Rice –Michael is the son of Ernie and Peg Rice and the younger brother of Kagan Rice. Mike plays basketball in the winter and golf in the spring. He is a member of both the chorus and the men's ensemble. Michael plans on attending college to study sports management and hopes to also continue playing basketball and lacrosse at the collegiate level. Mike is honored to be a member of the 2016 Winter Carnival Court in the town he is proud to call home!

COUPLE #4

Stevie Phelabaum –Stevie is the daughter of Melanie and David Phelabaum and the younger sister of Jeniffer, Daniel and Michael. She is the president of Green Storm and National Honor Society; and she loves participating in anything art related. Stevie plans to attend college in the fall to study neuroscience and visual art. She is honored to be on the Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a happy carnival!

Donald Duffy –Donald is the son of Jodi Duffy and the late Don Duffy, stepson of Dermott Morgan , brother of Mckayla and Jillian Duffy and Haleigh and DJ Morgan. Donald is a senior at Saranac Lake High School who enjoys playing football, hockey, rugby and running track. His favorite high school memories are planning pep rallies and other fun school activities. Donald has been accepted to Citadel, a military academy in Charleston, South Carolina which he plans on attending in order to become a United States Naval Officer. Donald is honored to be a part of the great Saranac Lake tradition and hopes everybody has a super Winter Carnival!

COUPLE #5

Chloe Peer–Chloe is the daughter of Bill and Lynda Peer and the older sister of both Quinlan and Phoebe. She thoroughly enjoys her time in Saranac Lake by playing soccer, hockey and running. Chloe is also a Lieutenant Governor for Key Club, an active member of Student Council, Honor Society and Adirondack Young Life. Chloe is planning on attending college in the fall and would like to wish everyone a marvelous carnival.

Michael Monroe – Mike is the son of Ray and Patty Monroe and the brother of TJ and Forrest. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and has helped organize the finale for The Adirondack Youth Climate Summit for the last four years. Mike is a member of the Men’s Ensemble and has enjoyed numerous roles in the different musicals at the high school. Mike hopes to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. Mike is honored to be on the court this year, but is still bitter about being the only sibling to not have been a page.

The ROYAL PAGES

Dillon Wilson, Sarah Dixon, Marissa Martin, Colin Francis, Nadia Pollock, Nate McKay