2017 Tennessee State Society Cherry Blossom Princess
Abby Frances Atkins
Abby Atkins is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. She is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, majoring in Audiology and Speech Pathology. She also works in a local after school program in Knoxville. After obtaining her master's degree, Abby plans to work in an elementary school as a Speech Pathologist/Therapist. In past summers, she has interned for the International Conservation Caucus Foundation in Washington, DC. She hopes to one day journey with them to Africa to help promote conservation practices. This summer she plans to study abroad in Florence, Italy.
Abby enjoys planning events for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, serving as Sisterhood Chair. One of the volunteer experiences she looks forward to most occurs at the Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville.
In her free time, Abby travels to new places, spends time exploring the mountains and parks in East Tennessee, and boats with family and friends on Kentucky Lake.
Abby Atkins is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. She is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, majoring in Audiology and Speech Pathology. She also works in a local after school program in Knoxville. After obtaining her master's degree, Abby plans to work in an elementary school as a Speech Pathologist/Therapist. In past summers, she has interned for the International Conservation Caucus Foundation in Washington, DC. She hopes to one day journey with them to Africa to help promote conservation practices. This summer she plans to study abroad in Florence, Italy.
Abby enjoys planning events for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, serving as Sisterhood Chair. One of the volunteer experiences she looks forward to most occurs at the Ronald McDonald House in Knoxville.
In her free time, Abby travels to new places, spends time exploring the mountains and parks in East Tennessee, and boats with family and friends on Kentucky Lake.
2016 Tennessee State Society Cherry Blossom Princess
Julie Bautista
Julie Bautista is currently a Senior at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, studying International Business. She plans to pursue a career in international financial planning. In 2015, she spent a semester abroad in Valparaiso, Chile where she finished her Spanish minor and learned about the Chilean business structure. Her experience inspired her to become a study abroad Ambassador and share her stories and experiences with American and international students.
Her passions include traveling, learning about different cultures, and volunteering with the organizations focused on empowering the next generation of leaders.
Julie Bautista is currently a Senior at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, studying International Business. She plans to pursue a career in international financial planning. In 2015, she spent a semester abroad in Valparaiso, Chile where she finished her Spanish minor and learned about the Chilean business structure. Her experience inspired her to become a study abroad Ambassador and share her stories and experiences with American and international students.
Her passions include traveling, learning about different cultures, and volunteering with the organizations focused on empowering the next generation of leaders.
2015 Tennessee State Society Cherry Blossom Princess
Betsy Lane
Betsy Lane is currently a Junior at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, studying Songwriting. She has recorded her music and frequently appears on stage in music venues around town. Betsy is involved in community service, and is currently volunteering in several Nashville nonprofits including Preston Taylor Ministries and the YMCA.
Betsy has roots not only in Tennessee, but in Japan as well! Her great-grandparents were American missionaries in Japan. Her grandmother was born there and speaks fluent Japanese. Betsy’s grandparents live with her now in Nashville! The Tennessee State Society is delighted to have Betsy Lane as their 2015 Cherry Blossom Princess.
Betsy Lane is currently a Junior at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, studying Songwriting. She has recorded her music and frequently appears on stage in music venues around town. Betsy is involved in community service, and is currently volunteering in several Nashville nonprofits including Preston Taylor Ministries and the YMCA.
Betsy has roots not only in Tennessee, but in Japan as well! Her great-grandparents were American missionaries in Japan. Her grandmother was born there and speaks fluent Japanese. Betsy’s grandparents live with her now in Nashville! The Tennessee State Society is delighted to have Betsy Lane as their 2015 Cherry Blossom Princess.
2014 Tennessee State Society Cherry Blossom Princess
Lexi White
Lexi is a 22 year old senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga studying psychology. She is an active member in Sigma Kappa sorority. She was crowned Miss Historic Jonesborough in November and will be competing for the title of Miss Tennessee this coming June. After her mission trip to Africa with Blood:Water Mission in July of 2012, she partnered with the organization to promote awareness of the HIV/AIDS and water crises as her platform. She is a graduate of Baylor High School and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.