Taylor Ray, Miss Almond Blossom 2011
Taylor with Ripon Grange Master Manuel Luis at the Almond Blossom Pancake Breakfsat.Taylor Ray, a member of Ripon Grange #511, was chosen as Miss Almond Blossom 2011. Earlier this year, she was also was named as Miss Ripon 2011.
Taylor is a fourth generation Granger. She grew up in the Grange, attending meetings since she was 3. Her parents are Cindi and Casey Ray. She is the granddaughter of Larry and Patricia Ray and the great granddaughter of Mark and Irma St. John, who joined Ripon Grange in 1932, shortly after it was chartered.
Mark and Irma were beekeepers. Their bees were the first in the Ripon area used to pollinate almond trees. The Ripon area is known as the Almond Capitol of the World.
Taylor, who turned 18 on February 27th, has been accepted at UC Merced, her school of choice. She plans on becoming an occupational therapist working with kids.
She has been coaching the JV Ripon Chiefs cheer squad (6th through 8th grades) and has taught Vacation Bible School and was class Historian and Yearbook Editor in high school. In addition, she was on the Honor Roll at Ripon High for academic achievement as well as a member of Girls League, Renaissance, Link Crew and Leadership.