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.
2014 Winter Carnival Court Biographies
King Jeffrey Branch
Jeffrey (Jeff) Branch-Member Of Elks Lodge• Knights of Columbus• Served on Government Restructuring Committee• Serving on Comprehensive Plan Committee• Village Trustee 8 years• Deputy Mayor 2 years• Work with Tri-lakes Humane Society during yearly fund raising events.• Coach little league baseball• Coach Pal-Football• Commissioner of the Saranac Lake Youth Baseball & Softball league.• Past Treasurer St. Bernard's Parent Educators Association• Past President CSEA local 170 (7 years)• President Saranac Lake Peewee Hockey Association• Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee• Saranac Lake IPW• Reconstructed dugouts and replaced roofs on the Elks field / Youth baseball field• Started Pitcher's Mound reconstruction project for Elks Field last year, will finish in the spring.
Queen Dorothy Metz
Dorothy O'Connor Metz- I was born in Malone, NY, and am the daughter of John and Irene (O'Leary) O'Connor (always say that I'm a thoroughbred). I have 2 brothers Joe and Ed O'Connor (both deceased) and 2 sisters, Betty and Alice, and a special cousin Margaret LaPoint. I was married to Dick who died in 2006. I came to Saranac Lake 50 years ago transferring from the New York Telephone Co. in Malone to the Business Office here. Then I retired from NYNEX, and worked at the APA and retired again in 1999. I have been very busy ever since. I love to travel and have made several trips overseas, Canada Maritimes and have been to many other states, most times flying right out of Lake Clear. I have traveled to many of Danny O'Donnell concerts.
Grand Marshal - Ursula Wyatt Trudeau
Ursula Wyatt Trudeau- Montreal born and educated, Ursula Wyatt Trudeau studied art at the Montreal Ecole des Beaux Arts and painting with the late Hans Hoffman, Stanley Cosgrove, and Alfred Pellan. She resides and paints in the Adirondacks and the Caribbean. Ursula has done a wide variety of freelance commercial art work including visualization, fashion illustration, hand painted billboards, costume and set designing for both theatre and television, window displays, child portraiture, teaching children's art classes, and textile designing. She is a member of the Adirondack Artists Guild, and on the Board of the Trudeau Institute. Ursula was a Recruitment Officer for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, and has attended the Winter Olympics in Montreal, Sarajevo, and Lillehammer. Ursula enjoys travel, and has been to Asia and North Africa, and throughout Europe. She has a deep admiration for the efforts of the Ice Palace Workers and their “can do” attitude. Her favorite Winter Carnival memory is being a member of the Saranac Lake Clown Band in the parade with Natalie Leduc and others. Ursula is honored to be a part of this year's Winter Carnival.
Archbishop
Jennifer Moore – Jennifer was born on the army base of Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash. and grew up on a small farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. She is the daughter of Jesse and Jolinda and the younger sister of Benjamin. As a child, she helped raise cows, chickens, ducks and turkeys and had her own pony, which she made pull her around in a carriage. After graduating from Watkins Glen High School, Jennifer studied art at SUNY New Paltz, where she earned her bachelor's degree. After relocating to the Adirondacks, she went on to study education at St. Lawrence University, student taught at the Saranac Lake High School in 1996, and the rest is history. She is currently the adviser to the high school’s yearbook, "The Canaras." In addition to teaching, Jennifer is the proud mom of two busy boys: Easton and Marshal, who love the Adirondacks and want to live here forever. Jennifer also loves to hike and is officially halfway to being an Adirondack 46'er. Jennifer is humbled to be a part of this year’s Winter Carnival Court and thinks this will be the best Winter Carnival ever.
Chamberlain
Kathy Latour – Kathy grew up in Lake Clear, where she learned to love spending time outdoors. As a high school student, she was given the honor of participating as a court member her senior year. After high school, Kathy attended Elmira College. Not knowing what she could possibly do with her English literature degree, her love of literature enticed her into choosing it as a major anyway. Upon graduation, Kathy worked various jobs looking for inspiration. After a month-long journey driving across the country with her dog as co-pilot, she decided to go back to school for her master's degree in teaching. She's never looked back. Kathy was hired at the Saranac Lake High School in 2006 as an English teacher. She currently serves as one of the senior class advisers. Working with high school students is exciting and challenging every day, and she's thankful she's found such a fulfilling job.Kathy is married to a world-traveling husband, Tuffy Latour, who is currently in Russia preparing for the Olympics as the U.S. skeleton coach. She has two children, Hannah and T.J., who keep her busy and of whom she is extremely proud.She is honored to be the Chamberlain for this year's Winter Carnival, and she wishes everyone a happy carnival.
Princess
Briana Muñoz - Princess Briana Muñoz will graduate from North Country Community College in December, 2014 with an Associates Degree in Math and Science. She intends continue on to SUNY Geneseo to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in biology with the long-range goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. Briana was born in Worms, Germany. She graduated from Lake Placid High School and currently lives in Lake Placid. She is bilingual in English and German. Ms. Muñoz is a former Junior National Figure Skating Champion of Germany and has medalled in Luge at the Empire State Games. She also teaches figure skating to youths through the Malone Figure Skating Club, is a tutor at the NCCC Learning Assistance Center and works at The Breakfast Club Restaurant. Princess Briana is a member of the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service, has worked on behalf of the Pediatric Cancer Organization, is Secretary of the Environmental Club at NCCC and has participated in Relay for Life. Briana is the daughter of Art and Loretta Muñoz and has siblings Esther, Chelsea and Justin.
Prince
Robert Francis Jacob Pearson - Prince Jacob Pearson was born and raised in Hoosick Falls, New York ans is a graduate of Hoosick Falls Central School. He is currently a senior at Paul Smiths College and will graduate in May, 2014 with a double B. S. in Forestry, Recreation and Resource Management as well as Parks, Recreation Facilities Management. He will also qualify for a minor in Business Administration. Mr. Pearson has the fundraiser “Pushups for Cecilia” and assisted in organizing “DeetsFest” in memory of George Deets. He was also the recipient of the Gehrig Dewey Scholarship and the Lyle Luther NRME Scholarship. Jacob is not sure of his plans for the future but is certain that his love of conversation will lead him to a career that involves working with others. Prince Jacob is the son of Robert and Carol Pearson and has siblings Minnie, Cortney and Frankie. He tries very hard to live to the motto: “Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most.”
Couple #1
Margaret Augustine – Margaret is the daughter of Cheryl Greiner and Frank Augustine. She is the baby sister of Scott and Brooke. She is also the grand-niece of Matt Czarnecki. Margaret moved to Saranac Lake in 3rd grade and fell in love with the beauty of the Adirondacks. She is proud of her Irish heritage and grateful to be included in the Celtic Winter Carnival.
Kevin Duguay – Kevin is the son of David Allen Duguay and Jeanne Marie Goodrich Duguay and the brother of Krystal Marie Duguay. Kevin spends his falls playing soccer and his springs playing lacrosse. He is looking forward to college next year. Kevin is excited to be a part of the Celtic Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a fun, yet safe, Winter Carnival.
Couple #2
Kennedy Snyder – Kennedy is the daughter of John and Karyn Snyder and the sister of Katey and Cameron Snyder and Tryon Haltigan. She enjoys playing hockey, lacrosse and rugby and spending her summers in Spain. Kennedy plans on attending college this fall to study languages and international studies. She also wishes everyone a great Winter Carnival!
Jacob Heverly – Jacob is the son of John and Mary Heverly and brother to Adam, a member of the 2011 Winter Carnival Court. Jacob is a member of the varsity soccer team and plays U-19 rugby for the Adirondack Barkeaters. Jacob enjoys hanging out with friends and plans to attend college next year to study nutrition. Jacob is honored to be a member of the 2014 Winter Carnival Court.
Couple #3
Jillian Martin – Jillian is the daughter of Michelle and Dan Martin and the sister of Meghan and Kendra. She plays hockey and is a member of the National Honor Society. Next year, Jillian plans on attending college, although she is not sure what her major will be. She is happy to be part of this wonderful town event and wishes everyone a happy carnival!
Dustin Fischer –Dustin is the son of Doug and Katie Fischer and the older brother of Macy and Ryley. He was born and raised in Saranac Lake. Dustin is a three-sport athlete who plays football, basketball and golf. He hopes to play college golf this fall. Dustin is quick with a smile, likes to make people laugh and hopes everyone has a fantastic carnival!
Couple #4
Kelsie Glinski –Kelsie is the daughter of John and Sheila Glinski and the older sister of Iris Glinski. She is very excited to be a part of Winter Carnival Court and is looking forward to the rest of her senior year. She wishes everyone a great Winter Carnival!
Lance Ackerson –Lance is the son of Henry (Terry) and Jamie Ackerson and the brother of Eric. He plays football and is a member of the National Honor Society. Next year he plans to attend college to pursue a career in engineering. He hopes everyone has a great time at Winter Carnival!
Couple#5
Kiely Branch–Kiely is the daughter of Amy and John. She is also the proud granddaughter of Harlan Branch. Kiely has two younger sisters, Kiera and Kaedyn. She has participated in and enjoyed playing soccer during her high school years. Singing is also one of her passions. Kiely plans to attend college after graduation, but is still undecided on a major. She is not only excited, but also honored to be a part of the Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a happy and safe Winter Carnival.
C.J. Williams – C.J. is the son of Rikelmy and Charles Williams and the brother of Karina and Angie. He plays football and lacrosse. Other favorite activities include playing the drums and recording his sister singing. Next year C.J. plans to attend college and hopes to become a history teacher.
Couple #6 – Court Spokespeople
Nerma Cecunjanin – Nerma is the daughter of Enver and Silvia Cecunjanin. She is the sister of Mirela, Miralem and former 2012 Winter Carnival Court member Irma. Nerma is the vice-president of her senior class and the president of her health occupations class. Nerma plans on attending college next year in the hopes of becoming a physician's assistant.
Will Lanthier – Will is the son of Kevin and Paula Lanthier. During his time in high school he has been involved in many activities including cross country running, skiing, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and being class president for the last three years. He plans to study public relations and social media management after graduation. He also wishes everyone a safe and happy Winter Carnival.
Couple #7– Attendants to the King and Queen
Maggie Darrah - Maggie is the daughter of Mia and Ron Darrah and the sister of Nick Darrah. She enjoys playing hockey and snowmobiling. Next years she hopes to attend college to study anthropology and archeology. She is very excited to be a member of the 2014 Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a safe and happy Carnival!
David Cluckey – David is the son of Amy and Bill Cluckey and the brother of Cayla. He is a National Honor Society member, a four-year athlete on Saranac Lake's hockey and soccer teams and was previously a Winter Carnival Page. He plans to attend college in the fall where he will pursue a career in computer engineering. David feels honored to be a member of the 2014 Winter Carnival Court and wishes everyone a happy Carnival!
The Royal Pages
Royal Pages – This year’s Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Pages, six local elementary school students, selected by their teachers, have been rehearsing their routine for the annual Winter Carnival Coronation ceremony, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Harrietstown Town Hall auditorium. Sitting on the Pendragon Theatre stage, from left, are Averi Woodruff, Maria Castro and Annelise Dramm. Standing, from left, are Morgan Martin, Benjamin Laba and Cole Dawson.
