Aspiring princesses get to hear from Roselle Rose Queen

Stephanie Reninger's hair was finely coifed, with her golden locks flowing neatly, framing her bright, cheeky face.

The tiara symbolizing her reign as Roselle's reigning Rose Queen was prominently hoisted atop the 2008 Lake Park High School graduate's head. Her red and white dress included a floral print of - what else - roses.

And the corsage on her wrist included one bright red rose, affirming the regal symbolism she tried to convey to the two dozen little girls sitting before her Saturday in the events room of the Roselle Public Library.

"Can you imagine being the first Rose Queen ever?" Reninger gushed as she talked to her audience about the history of the town tradition.

Reninger spent the afternoon fielding questions from the little girls and showing off photos of her crowning ceremony, newspaper clippings and some family photos that included the famed Rose Queen tiara.

Amy Cawley, the library's youth services coordinator, said the Rose Queen is invited each spring to meet with and read to the children.

"She's a role model in the community," Cawley said. "This is a big deal in this town."

Five-year-old Jillian McAuliffe asked Reninger about the talent portion of the annual competition and what Reninger ended up doing.

"My talent was a performance, it was a monologue about a girl who grows up as a tomboy," she said. "My character basically said it doesn't matter what you look like or what you like to do, you'll still be accepted."