The National Cherry Queen is getting ready to finish up her reign but before she does that she had to make a trip to a very special person.
“It felt like a big honor and they have so many amazing questions,” said Tessa Nico, “getting to talk about my year and show how much I really care about the festival.”
National Cherry Festival Queen Tessa Nico spent her afternoon with the residents of Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. One of those residents is her great grandmother Sylvia.
“It’s amazing. I haven’t got to see her for a little bit,” said Nico, “So being able to show her that I’m still here to support her through anything. And that her great granddaughter is now a National Cherry Queen and make her feel special, too, because she’s been a very big part of my life and made me who I am as well.”
“Oh, this is just been an amazing day for my mom,” said Janet Bachi, Tessa Nico’s grandmother, “To be able to see Tessa and her crown and her sash and everything. My mom hasn’t got to partake in a lot of it. And, she’s not been able to see her as the Cherry Queen.”
Sylvia is battling Alzheimer’s Dementia but her daughter, Nico’s grandma was also there. She says this moment has been a long time coming.
“Well, this meant a lot to me, that my mother has gotten to see her and listen to her speak,” said Bachi, “I know that there’s always a little bit in my mom that she is still there. She knows and it is hit or miss, but I know deep in her heart, she knows. She knows what’s going on, and the accomplishment that her great granddaughter has put forth and accomplished in her life.”
The support of family can help to stay focused on following your dreams and Nico says that her great grandmother and grandma have been there every step of the way.
“Ever since I was a little girl. They always told me to chase my dreams,” said Nico, “I can do whatever I can with hard work. And so, they’ve always been at all my events. I grew up doing swimming, and so they’re always on my swim meets, cheering me on and just always been there for me. So, I want to be there for them.”
“She’s the oldest grandchild and my mom when she was little would sew little dresses for her and do all kinds of stuff because my mom was a seamstress,” said Bachi, “And whenever Tessa was doing anything or needed a new little dress or outfit, my mom always made them for her. So it’s been wonderful that we were able to come here and just see the residents.”
The event also gave residents a chance to speak with Nico and while many won’t make it to the National Cherry Festival Nico was able to spread some of her ‘cherry love’ to them.
“Getting to educate them and make them feel special is such a big thing because I don’t know how many visitors they get to have, and I just wanted to help,” said Nico,” Make everyone feel each special in their own way and feel her. That’s always what I want to be, is to really connect with everybody.”
As Nico’s gets ready to pass down the crown her grandma is excited to watch her add to their family’s legacy.
“It’s hard to really express the feeling as a grandparent when they called her name. She’s just been an incredible young woman,” said Bachi, “And we’re just so proud of her. It is a full circle moment. She’s had such a busy year and a lot going on while going to school. Now it’s winding down towards the end, but it’s kind of the beginning for her to step into working on her career. So, she’s just a pride and joy for all of us and our family.”