Check out www.albanytulipqueen.com for more info. 

2008 Albany Tulip Queen and Court

Jessica Engel, Kayla Janeski, Amy LaGrange, Caitlin Spinelli, Sarah Volk

Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany are proud to announce the 2008 Tulip Queen and Court.

Over 80 nominations were received, and each eligible candidate was interviewed by the Tulip Queen Selection Committee. Based on the interviews, 14 semi finalists were chosen to attend the Tulip Tea. At the Tea, the women are judged based on their interaction with their fellow semi finalists and the committee. After a final interview with each semi finalist, 5 finalists are chosen. The Tulip Queen is not announced to the public or the finalists until the Coronation on Saturday May 10 at the Tulip Festival.

"These extraordinary young women proudly represent our City. They personify the meaning of community by giving of themselves to help the residents and organizations in Albany" said Mayor Jennings. "Our Tulip Queen and her Court always bring a great deal of energy, kindness and knowledge and once again I look forward to working with them on the Mayor’s Literacy Campaign".

Sarah Volk, age 21, Albany- Tulip Queen
Sarah is a Junior studying sociology at SUNY Albany and works in Human Resources at the State Tax and Finance department. She is president of the community service club (Circle K), and volunteers for the rescue mission in downtown Albany and Arbor Hill Community Center. In 2007, she traveled to New Orleans to assist hurricane relief effort.

Jessica Engel, age 21, Voorheesville- Tulip Court
Jessica is a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh majoring in communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. Her hobbies include all sports from volleyball to basketball and she loves to golf with her dad. Jessica has taught Sunday school and volunteers for many organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, food drives, Relay for Life and the Capital City Rescue Mission. Her career goal is to become an anchor for entertainment news.

Kayla Janeski, age 23, Albany- Tulip Court
Kayla is a 2007 SUNY Albany graduate with a degree in communications. She’s volunteered at Ellis hospital, the AIDS walk, Earth Day clean up and Relay for Life. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as tennis, running and soccer. She loves to cook and bowl with her friends. Kayla currently works at the NYS Assembly and plans to continue her involvement there and is interested in possibly running for local office one day.

Amy LaGrange, age 21, Feura Bush- Tulip Court
Amy attends the College of Saint Rose with a dual major in Childhood and Special Education with a concentration in English. She works at Catholic Charities and at the Resource Center for Independent Living. As a volunteer, she has taught Sunday School, led youth groups and has worked with the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center. Her hobbies include teaching and helping people with disabilities. Amy plans to be a special education teacher for an urban area school.

Caitlin Spinelli, age 18, Albany- Tulip Court
Caitlin is a Senior at Colonie Central High School and plans to attend college to major in business. She has volunteered at St. Peters, local food pantries, the Ronald McDonald House and youth court. She enjoys spending time with her family, running and reading. Caitlin aspires to take over her family business or work on Wall Street in New York City.

The 2007 Tulip Queen and Court

Amisha Gomes (Queen), Emily Gottstein, Ashley Hart, Bianca Pier, Meaghan Walter

Amisha Gomes- 2007 Albany Tulip Queen

Amisha is a junior at the University of Albany, majoring in Africana Studies, with a minor in Psychology. She frequently volunteers with the SUNY Office of Academic Support Services and the Metropolitan New Testament Baptist Church. Amisha enjoys spending time with her family and reading. In the future, Amisha hopes to attend graduate school and one day work as a guidance counselor or a teacher of Africana Studies for high school or college students.

Emily Gottstein- 2007 Albany Tulip Court

Emily is a senior at The College of Saint Rose, where she majors in Communications. Her volunteer experience includes work with Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. Emily is a star basketball player for Saint Rose, writes for the college newspaper and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is currently interning in the Office of Special Events in Albany’s City Hall and hopes to one day open an event planning agency.

Ashley Hart- 2007 Albany Tulip Court

Ashley is pursuing a graduate degree in Forensic Molecular Biology at the University of Albany. She graduated from Vassar College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. Ashley has volunteered with Vassar Brothers’ Hospital, the Dutchess County Department of Health and various AIDS education events. She is currently employed with the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys reading, cooking and playing guitar. Ashley plans to attend law school in the fall and pursue a career in criminal litigation.

Bianca Pier- 2007 Albany Tulip Court

Bianca is a sophomore Biology major at Siena College. Her volunteer experience includes work with St. Pius X Church, Habitat for Humanity, Sunnyside Day Camp for Underprivileged Children and the Mohawk-Hudson River Humane Society. Bianca works as a children’s fitness instructor at Cartwheels For Kids, and as a ballet teacher at Albany Berkshire Ballet. Her hobbies include dance, reading, writing and swimming. Bianca hopes to pursue a career as a biology teacher.

Meaghan Walter- 2007 Albany Tulip Court

Meaghan is a sophomore at Hudson Valley Community College, where she majors in Construction Management. She has volunteered with the Westerlo Baptist Food Pantry, taught Sunday school at St. Lucy’s Church and also tutors elementary school children. She loves spending time with her family, and her hobbies include horse riding, running and gardening. Meaghan aspires to be a Project Manager in her field of study.