Briley Perez is the new Almond Blossom Queen/Miss Ripon.

The Ripon Christian High junior was one of 15 princesses for the 60th annual event, making it one of the largest local competitions to date, according to Ripon Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Donohue.

"I'm really looking forward to representing the community," said Briley during Thursday's coronation ceremony held at the Ripon Community Center.

Last year’s Queen Naomi Wilbur turned the crown over to Perez.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience," she said to all of the princesses, who were each judged on their participation in four different activities – personal interview in front of a panel of three judges, last month’s speech contest, a timed essay, and last week’s fashion show.

Based on that, Perez tallied the most points followed by Ruth Visser, who is also a junior at RC. She was announced as the first runner up.

Miss Congeniality went to Katie Van Unen, who was also the top ticket-seller for the annual drawing. She's a classmate of Perez and Visser at RC.

Rounding out the royal court were Brianna Alvarez, Brooke Barros, Shay Cunningham, Jade Diaz, Heaven Elisary, Paris Ferrill, Hailey Knief, Makenzie Loechler, Chloe Price, Ines Rodriguez, Kacy Thurman, and Annie Wild. 

"They were all poised and talented beyond all measures," said Donohue, who added that the competition of the past month or so brought out confidence in each of the queen candidates and instilled a sense of community pride.