Cole Staffer Crowned Cherry Blossom Festival Queen

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) congratulated Mary Anne Morgan after she was crowned the 65th U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen last Friday. Morgan, who serves as Staff Assistant for the Congressman’s Washington office, is the first Oklahoman Cherry Blossom Princess to be named queen.

Daughter of Mack and Marcia Morgan, Mary Anne was born and raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Casady High School. Before joining Congressman Cole’s staff last year, she attended Vanderbilt University, where she earned degrees in Human and Organizational Development and Psychology.

Morgan was selected by the Oklahoma State Society to represent her state in this year’s Cherry Blossom Princess Program, which is sponsored by the National Conference of State Societies. The program recruits young women from each state, territory and embassy to participate in a week of community, cultural and volunteer activities in the nation’s capital. During the grand ball, one lucky participant, selected by spinning a wheel, is awarded the title of queen and given a crown, mikimoto necklace and paid trip to Japan in May.

As this year’s queen, Mary Anne will serve as a goodwill ambassador to Japan, where she will meet with Japanese dignitaries, tour the country on the bullet train and learn more about Japanese culture.

“I am pleased to congratulate Mary Anne Morgan on winning U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen,” said Congressman Cole. “This honor is a first for Oklahoma, and I know she will make our country and state proud when she visits Japan. She is a valued staff member in Washington, and I look forward to hearing about the exciting experiences ahead for her. I am certain that she will make a great impression on all who meet her.”