Lombard's Fairest of them all

Katie Scully said she waited until the last minute to apply for the honor of riding as a Lilac Princess in the royal court at Lombard's annual parade on May 18.

Despite her late start, on Saturday, the 18-year-old Glenbard East High School senior won an even higher royal reality.

Scully, crowned Lilac Queen, was gracious in her accomplishment, recognizing fellow members of the Lilac Court as equally worthy with many similar activities and accomplishments.

"I'm just so excited," Scully said. "But there should really have been five queens selected."

The pageant's organizers ran down a lengthy list of accomplishments and activities Scully participated in during her high school career, including stints on the track and cross-country teams, membership in the National Honor Society and student council, as well as selection as an Illinois State Scholar.

Scully will spend the next year serving as a role model for young girls and a catalyst for the community.

Scully is the 78th Lilac Queen in the village's history. Her crown makes her the embodiment of the lilac, an "image of beauty as well as the true essence of romance," according to descriptions of the original queens.

The threat of rain showers forced this year's crowning indoors at the Lombard Community Building.

But that didn't stop Lombard native Amy LeBeau from attending with her two daughters, 5-year-old Elizabeth and 2-year-old Maggie.

"I used to watch the lilac parade every year growing up with my family," LeBeau said. "It's a tradition in this town, especially for longtime residents. We wouldn't have missed this for the world."